Oakland University Week of Kindness goes beyond Valentine’s Day romance and offers opportunities to express kindness, explore self-care and give back to the community.
OU is celebrating Week of Kindness from Feb. 11 to Feb. 16 with a calendar full of events hosted by multiple organizations.
Kicking off the celebration, the Office of Student Involvement (OSI), the Leadership & Volunteer Center (LVC) and the Golden Grizzlies’ Pantry partnered for a week-long food drive.
“The hope is that when people are thinking about kindness and charitable giving they may be more open to shopping at the store and grabbing a couple of items for the pantry,” Pantry Manager Bella Levitt said.
LVC’s events began on Monday, Feb. 12, with the ‘Design a Valentine’ event at the Oakland Center. Participants made a quick anonymous card or one for someone special. The anonymous cards will be handed out on Valentine’s Day at the OC.
“Many students don’t see family often or have a rough time meeting new people,” OSI Graduate Assistant Katie Zvonek said. “So getting an anonymous, kind message can brighten their day.”
Tuesday, Feb. 13 was filled with events for giving back to the community such as ‘Cocoa and Cookies’ and a blood drive. Participants shared sweet treats with Golden Giving and Alternative Spring Break, local volunteering organizations.
“Our community partners love getting involved with students,” Zvonek said. “[Community partners] enjoy seeing them come to their organizations to help out, and take many opportunities to be visible by students.”
Feb. 14 will be celebrated with multiple diverse events. “Day of Kindness” takes place at Gold Rooms of the OC from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees will be able to complete small service projects for community partners.
“We’ve taken many items to the Pontiac Public Library,” Zvonek said. “The elderly care sites have always enjoyed our support and McLaren Hospice enjoys our partnership too.”
The Veteran Support Service Office (VSS) and Student Veterans of Oakland University (SVOU) will also host a brunch at 11:30 a.m. for a casual celebration.
“Last year’s brunch turned out to be a success which is why VSS and SVOU decided to do it again this year,” SVOU President Courtney Smith said. “It was a great way to bring our students together and get to know them individually.”
‘Candygrams for Kindness’ is another arts and crafts event hosted by Mission Kindness. Attendees can stop by for some snacks and Valentine’s cards.
“Generally, our events impact communities other than OU, but I’m excited to switch it up for this event,” President of Mission Kindness OU Emma Stryd said. “For this event, valentines will be passed out to other students, faculty and staff.”
Cuddles and Crafts will bring therapy dogs and kindness bags with stress-relieving items to foster self-care. The event will take place on Feb. 15 in the OC’s Habitat from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The ‘Craft with Kindness’ event at the OC will close the week on Friday at noon. Highlighting the popularity of arts and crafts events, students have a third opportunity to make more cards for the campus community.
“We’ve seen high interaction with these events,” Zvonek said. “Students always enjoy things to do especially when they provide ways to give back.”
With a caring emphasis on giving back and sharing love at OU, This year’s Week of Kindness presents many opportunities for the campus community to expand on Valentine’s Day celebrations.
“Students like to do things that are fun,” Zvonek said. “Something that provides a brain break for you while also bringing some happiness to another person is the best kind of service.”
For more information about Week of Kindness events, visit OU Events Calendar.
