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The ������Ƶ chapter of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) recognized Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week with an event to pack bags of snacks. The bags were distributed to children living in the shelters of DuPage Pads, an organization that provides support services as well as interim and permanent housing to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. About 45 bags were packed by Occupational Therapy (OT) students and faculty from the College of Health Sciences (CHS).

They took a few moments together after class to carry out community service and work together, packing an assembly line of snacks as holiday music played in the background. It offered them an opportunity to share an act of kindness and simultaneously decompress from their workload. Occupational Therapy students Danielle Acumabig (CHS OT ’25), Trisha Mallare (CHS OT ’25), Earl Bondoc (CHS OT ’25), and Joceline Rodriguez (CHS OT ’25) are the co-chairs of COTAD. Danielle said, “Since it is in recognition of hunger and homelessness, I wanted an experience not just to collect and drop off goods, but for all of us to pack it together as teamwork. It’s more fun that way and a good experience for us to do something.” Trisha said, “DuPage Pads is a great organization to work with and collaborate with.” In class, the students learn about diverse populations, including the homeless, Trisha said. Danielle said, “It is crucial for us to provide services and support no matter how that may look like for the individuals we work with.” Earl said, “It’s important to get involved with the community you’re going to be exposed to and gives you a better outlook on how to give back as a healthcare professional.” Trisha added, “It is key to advocate for them as well.”

Danielle, Earl, and Trisha emphasized the significance of advocacy. Trisha said, “What I took away from this experience is this idea of community, having advocacy while managing your time as a student. This prepares us for a professional setting and doing extra work to advocate for the patients.” Danielle added, “It’s important to advocate for them and us. I hope the students will continue giving back to the community and get involved.” Earl emphasized the necessity of “being able to come together as a collective to do something for a population we’ve learned about.”

Community service and volunteer work are core aspects of the ������Ƶ experience, central to fostering future healthcare professionals. Danielle said it is valuable for healthcare students to participate in service activities, such as assisting DuPage Pads, to be well-rounded and learn from peers and faculty. Earl added, “It helps separate your time in the classroom and get involved with your peers and other clubs. You spend time with your future colleagues and communicate with each other.”

������Ƶ offers students continuous opportunities to learn and grow outside the classroom. For example, Danielle, in her first leadership role, was responsible for planning the event. “This event taught me how to organize everything, communicate with faculty members, and how to collaborate with organizations.” Danielle and Trisha said their faculty donated snacks and helped pack them as well.

Earl mentioned COTAD creates or participates in events to highlight some issues and emphasize the principles of JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion). Danielle added COTAD’s prior event participation includes the High School Careers Institute and the Disability Pride Parade.

Community service is an integral component of the ������Ƶ experience and offers another level in preparing students to become client-centered healthcare professionals. A Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) degree program is offered in Downers Grove, and a Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.) degree program is offered in Glendale.