LSU College of Human Sciences & Education Plans Day of Service for National Make a Difference Day

October 15, 2026

BATON ROUGE, LA — The LSU College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) invites faculty, staff and students to come together for a college-wide Day of Service in recognition of National Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

National Make a Difference Day gives an opportunity for people across the country to turn their time, talents and compassion into meaningful action. This special day of service will bring the CHSE community together with local organizations whose work directly supports children, families, individuals and communities throughout Baton Rouge. Featured service partners include Family & Youth Service Center, LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (ECELP), LSU Food Pantry, Magnolia Rose Foundation and St. Vincent de Paul. 

“In the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education, National Make a Difference Day represents more than a single day of volunteering; it reflects the very heart of our mission: serving others and improving quality of life in our communities,” CHSE Dean Roland W. Mitchell, PhD, said. “When our students, faculty and staff come together to give their time and talents, they demonstrate that meaningful change begins with service, compassion and a commitment to helping others thrive. CHSE cares, and I am proud of our college community for putting these values into action, making an impact and demonstrating what it means to be a community of changemakers.”

CHSE faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to participate individually, as a class, with a student organization, with colleagues, or with family as part of our college-organized service project. For students especially, the day offers an opportunity to connect classroom learning with authentic community experiences while developing leadership, collaboration, communication, and professional skills.

Participants may:

Our Community Partners

Family & Youth Service Center

The Family & Youth Service Center provides programs and services that strengthen children, youth and families. CHSE volunteers will spend the morning organizing and refreshing the center’s library, sorting books and creating a welcoming space where students can learn, read and explore their imaginations. No library experience is required, just a positive attitude and a willingness to help. Through this hands-on service opportunity, volunteers will support the center’s mission of promoting healthy families and building stronger communities.

LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool

The LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (ECELP), a model demonstration laboratory preschool within the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education, provides high-quality early childhood learning experiences while preparing future educators and early childhood professionals. CHSE students, faculty and staff can volunteer their time to prepare a garden at ECELP, helping create an inviting outdoor space that supports children’s learning and development. Volunteers of all gardening experience levels are welcome to participate in this hands-on service opportunity, which allows the CHSE community to give back to a program that supports young children and the next generation of professionals.

Magnolia Rose Foundation

The Magnolia Rose Foundation creates safe, inclusive spaces where autistic and neurotypical children can play, learn and grow while helping families better understand inclusion and developmental differences. CHSE volunteers will support the foundation’s cooking program at Young Chefs’ Academy located at 7970 Jefferson Hwy, Suite E, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, helping children with autism explore the joy of cooking, develop kitchen skills and build confidence and independence. No culinary experience is required, just patience, enthusiasm and a willingness to encourage young chefs as they learn and create in a supportive environment.

  • Saturday, October 24
  • 9:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.; 11:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
  • Register here

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul serves individuals and families experiencing hardship by providing support and resources to those in need. CHSE volunteers will help sort, organize and pack clothing donations for a St. Vincent de Paul thrift store, preparing items to be made available to community members. Through this hands-on service opportunity, volunteers will support the organization’s mission while helping ensure donated clothing can find a new home and benefit those who need it most.

LSU Food Pantry

The LSU Food Pantry provides free supplemental food assistance to LSU students experiencing food insecurity. The CHSE community is encouraged to support the pantry by donating much-needed food and essential supplies. Donations will be collected in the CHSE Office of Advocacy, Collaboration and Engagement (ACE), Room 1200 in Huey P. Long Field House, through November 20, before being delivered to the LSU Food Pantry. Through this collective effort, CHSE students, faculty and staff can help ensure fellow Tigers have access to the resources they need to thrive.

  • LSU Food Pantry Food Drive
  • Now until November 20
  • Donations can be brought to Huey P. Long Field House Room 1200

A College-Wide Commitment

The CHSE Day of Service is an invitation for our entire college community to show that engagement is not something we simply teach; it is something we do.

By coming together with community partners, we can strengthen relationships, support organizations doing important work, create meaningful learning experiences, and demonstrate the collective impact of the College of Human Sciences & Education.

One person can make a difference.
One class can make a difference.
One organization can make a difference.
One college can make a difference.

On National Make a Difference Day, let's show what happens when the CHSE community comes together to serve.

Service is at the Heart of Who We Are

As Louisiana’s flagship public university and a land-grant institution, LSU has a longstanding responsibility to use its knowledge, expertise, and resources to serve the people and communities of Louisiana. That commitment is reflected in LSU's continued recognition for community engagement. In 2026, LSU received the Carnegie Foundation Engagement Classification for the third time, recognizing sustained partnerships and community-engaged work across the university.

CHSE is committed to enhancing quality of life across the lifespan through research, teaching, professional service and global engagement that enables individuals and communities to achieve their full potential.
Whether promoting health and wellness, serving children and families, supporting schools and educators, strengthening organizations, addressing community needs, or contributing time and talent to local non-profit agencies, CHSE cares, and every act of service can make a difference.

CHSE already contributes to communities through internships, field experiences, service-learning, volunteerism, research and professional service. The college’s commitment to engagement reflects the belief that some of the most important learning occurs when students apply their knowledge in real settings while helping real people and organizations. 

Contact the CHSE Office of Advocacy, Collaboration & Engagement (ACE) for additional information about volunteer opportunities, schedules, and registration.  

Contact

Office of Advocacy, Collaboration & Engagement

chseoutreach@lsu.edu