This week’s spotlight goes to the Spread the Love Team! Alli Flicker, Emily Peters, Marisa Mutty, Kate Jarosik, Alexis Pennington, and Quinn Weber, all 3rd year students, spread the word about public service through Spread the Love, a CIO started when they were 1st years. Spread the Love’s largest event is in the fall and consists of students preparing and distributing thousands of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches around Charlottesville. Over 7,000+ sandwiches have been donated to local organizations including the Hope Community Center, Salvation Army, and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank over the past 3 years as a result of their organization’s work. While mostly known for this large-scale annual event, Spread the Love also does “mini” events year-round. For instance, the team often visits elementary and middle schools to discuss the issue of hunger and the impact of giving. After the discussion, they make sandwiches with the students and then donate them.
The Spread the Love team hopes Spread the Love will increase awareness on the issue of hunger in Charlottesville, as well as provide an opportunity to bring students together while working for a good cause.
If you are interested in learning more about Spread the Love or would like to initiate or facilitate an event, contact the team at spreadthelovecville@gmail.com.
