St. Mary’s University kicks off new academic year with Continuing the Heritage

Day of service, scheduled for Aug. 23, continues work with local nonprofits

St. Mary’s University students, faculty, staff and alumni will volunteer across San Antonio on Saturday, Aug. 23, for Continuing the Heritage — the longstanding event at which the St. Mary’s community serves at partnering nonprofits throughout the city.  

The day of service happens at the beginning of each academic year. It brings together volunteers for projects, such as sorting and packing produce and household items for distribution, organizing books for children, cleaning up graffiti and working hands-on with rescue animals. Volunteers will also help revitalize community gardens, which provide fresh, organic produce to those in need. The event is expected to draw about 400 volunteers. 

“Beginning the school year with a day of service sets a tone of community, collaboration and purpose,” said Pete Oviedo, Director of Community Engagement. “It aligns with the St. Mary’s mission to develop leaders who are committed to service and social justice. Service work encourages students to connect with each other and the community in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose from the outset.” 

Volunteers will check in at the St. Mary’s University Flex Field at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, for an opening ceremony, which includes breakfast and prayer. From 9 a.m. until noon, volunteers will serve at sites including: 

Loma Park Elementary, Edgewood Independent School District, 400 Aurora Ave. — Student volunteers will join together to revitalize Loma Park Elementary through several hands-on projects. Efforts will include painting the basketball court, replacing worn-out nets, power washing doors and walkways, and completing general cleanup and beautification tasks to create a more welcoming campus for students and families. 

City of San Antonio Animal Care Services, 4710 State Highway 151 — Students will help support the care and well-being of shelter animals by walking dogs, reading to pets and leading enrichment activities that provide both comfort and mental stimulation. 

Sleep in Heavenly Peace, 10616 Sentinel St. — St. Mary’s President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., the Rattler Baseball team and other volunteers will work with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build and deliver beds to children in need, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable place to sleep at night. 

St. Stephen’s CARE Center, 2127 S. Zarzamora St. — Volunteers will be restocking shelves, beautifying the site, making sack lunches for clients, sorting donations, and sorting and bagging produce. 

Since 1997, almost 25,000 Continuing the Heritage volunteers have offered nearly 68,000 hours to organizations that provide much-needed services throughout the area. Oviedo estimated those volunteer hours would have equated to an economic impact of more than $2 million.