SJU Student Volunteer Program

Students at St. John's University, shown with Kathy Bihn, Ronald McDonald House of Long Island volunteer coordinator/manager (second row, far r.).

As part of a new outreach program at St. John's University, freshman students are required to visit volunteer and community service sites. Students recently visited the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island to raise awareness of activities and discover places of service in which they can participate.

Melanie Sergo, associate director of academic service at St. John's, said that through this program, students will learn how to get involved in community service close to home. "The students will learn first hand and see where the house gets its funds and the ways funds are being used," Sergo said.

Sophomore Matthew Scheinstein, St. John's University orientation leader, pointed out that Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is a wonderful place to learn about giving back to the community by helping families in different situations.

"[The program] advances a good sense of the Vincentian spirit, which follows the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul," Scheinstein said. "It also shows students that volunteering can help them acquire new skills and teach them to work with people from many different cultures."

Led by Charlie Chazen, a volunteer, students toured the house. Volunteer Coordinator/Manager Kathy Bihn provided students with information on and the history of the house, which opened in 1986.

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is a "home away from home" for families who are caring for seriously ill children undergoing medical treatment in area hospitals. Located on the campus of Schneider Children's Hospital, the house accommodates families in a warm and supportive environment. Since opening in 1986, more than 9,000 families from the United States and more than 62 countries around the world have been served. Most families are from Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as the five boroughs of New York City.