On Sunday, August 18th, Hope International University students and staff spread throughout Orange County to serve at 11 locations. The event, entitled “Give Hope,” was a part of HIU’s Fall New Student Orientation, which began the previous Saturday. Groups of students and staff gardened, painted, cleaned and provided other much-needed services at four local elementary schools, the Fullerton Police Department, Pathways of Hope, My Safe Harbor, and the Women with Children facility through the Orange County Rescue Mission.

For students, this was an opportunity to bond with their Barnabas Groups (small spiritual formation groups that meet throughout the semester) and kick off the new school year with servant leadership at the forefront. For the schools and organizations, this was an incredible display of the commitment HIU has to impacting the local community.

The Fullerton Police Department expressed their appreciation on Facebook, saying, “Their act of generosity was greatly appreciated and we want to give them our heartfelt thanks!” The Chief of Police also sent a letter of gratitude, again thanking the student for their “very thoughtful gift of time and energy.”

Hope’s emphasis on service and servant leadership will continue throughout the school year with opportunities to volunteer at Hermosa Elementary in Fullerton, building homes in Mexico with AMOR Ministries, and more.