#BeKind Buckeyes Give Back

Being kind and giving back is part of what it means to be a Buckeye. It is paying it forward and making a difference at our university, in our community and across the world.

During March for Ohio State’s annual Day of Giving, Buckeyes gave back by packing and delivering more than 125,000 meals for members of our community struggling with food insecurity in Jackson, Scioto and Pike counties. This packing project was made possible by Kind Columbus, The Columbus Foundation and Kids Around the World.

The service project impacted more than those who will receive the meals — the Buckeyes who were involved throughout the process felt the impacts of being kind and giving back. Read their experiences:

Emily Daum, Service Committee Co-Chair for the Stadium Scholarship Program
“Service and giving back are two of the most important things to me, and I have surrounded myself with opportunities to do so all my life. I feel such a strong sense of purpose when participating in events like this and bringing my own community together to make a difference in the lives of so many people. Especially now with COVID-19 leaving such a heavy impact on the world, we need to come together and help those who are struggling. Even the smallest amount of time can make the biggest difference in the lives of those around you.”

Katie Spangler, Philanthropy Chair for Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority
“Service means loving others through acts of kindness and shifting a perspective of self to a perspective of caring for others. Through this project, I learned how fun service can be, and how much of an impact you can make in a rather quick amount of time. Within six hours we had packed all 36 boxes and 1,296 bags, and those food packages would go on to feed 7,076 individuals experiencing food insecurity.”

Kameryn Spang, Sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority
“Service is important because it shows the impact that people can have when they come together for a common goal. This service project was an easy way for me to get involved, work with my sisters, make a difference and have fun.”

Ryleigh Evans, Sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority
“Service is a value that has been a part of my life from a young age. Giving back and my experiences have not only an impact on the community I live and thrive in, but on me personally. It was incredible to see that the meals we packed would go directly back into our community and help those in need.”