ServErie is a volunteer organization that runs directly out of Erie.

The mission of the organization, according to its website, is “restoring communities by connecting people in need to resources.”

Similar to Mercyhurst, the core values of ServErie are all about service to the community with Jesus as a guide.

On April 6, ServErie hosted ServErie Saturday Central. This event occurs several times throughout the year and creates an opportunity for volunteers from across the city to meet in one location and carry out projects around the city for two to three hours from that base.

This past Saturday’s event was from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and was particularly geared toward Mercyhurst students due to the meeting point of St. Luke Catholic Church, just next door to Mercyhurst.
Volunteers for this trip were divided into 20 groups to volunteer at 20 different locations around Erie.

Bethany Brun, director of Service Learning, works directly with members of the ServErie organization to provide students on campus an opportunity to serve their city.

Students who want to get involved in future Saturday projects should talk to Brun in her office in the Student Union or to other Campus Ministry staff members.

Volunteers can sign up in groups or as individuals on the organization’s website, www.serverie.com.
Additionally, ServErie has a Summer School Initiative, for which it seeks volunteers during the summer months.

For anyone focused on working with children, this program and other ServErie events could be ideal. Children are a key focus of the project as the future of our Erie community.

ServErie is a unique organization on this part because volunteers with children can bring their kids to volunteer with them, and if necessary ServErie volunteers will help to take care of them throughout the day.

For those who are interested in the next ServErie Saturday Event, the general itinerary for the day of service looks similar each time.

In the morning, volunteers arrive at the meeting site at the given time for their group. If you have registered children for the childcare services, you can drop them off.

Then, look around the meeting site to find your volunteer placement for that day’s services. Finally, load the buses or other provided transportation and be on your way to serve Erie.

For students in need of volunteer hours or the urge to help the Erie community, working with ServErie would be a great fit. Students and faculty are encouraged to sign up for future volunteer events.

The foundation of Mercyhurst is built from faith and service, which are the two top priorities for ServErie as well — to go out beyond the gates of our community into the city that is our home.