Sometimes, the simplest items can make the biggest difference. This summer, Providence Connections teamed up with The Ketteler Center at La Roche University for a project that crosses oceans. Driven by LRU’s commitment to global identity and international support, alongside the worldwide mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence, our students rolled up their sleeves to build essential hygiene kits for individuals in need abroad.
This initiative is about much more than just logging volunteer hours. As Amy Solomon, Coordinator of Civic Engagement & Service at the Ketteler Center, explains, their work extends far beyond simply connecting students with service opportunities. The overarching goal is “to cultivate a lifelong commitment to justice, empowering students to engage in service that advances equity, upholds human dignity, and fosters social transformation.”
To put those values into action, these kits were assembled with care and practical necessities like soap, shampoo, body wash, lotion, combs, and brand-new socks.
Their destination? The Community of Sant’Egidio in Barcelona, Spain. Sant’Egidio is an incredible worldwide movement dedicated to social justice, peace, and directly supporting vulnerable populations—from the unhoused to immigrants and the elderly. In Barcelona, one of their most vital grassroots services is providing a safe, welcoming place for individuals living on the streets to take a warm shower.
All the soap, shampoo, and supplies our students gathered will go directly to stocking these showers. Teaming up with Sant’Egidio lets us offer a really practical kind of support. A fresh shower and new supplies can completely turn someone’s day around, helping them feel clean, valued, and ready to keep going.
For the students leading the charge, the impact hits close to home even when the supplies travel far. Hayley Dunham, a La Roche University senior and Providence Connections intern who spearheaded the project, beautifully captured the spirit of the work:
“Building essentials kits for Providence Connections and Ketteler Center was my service to both my community and the communities abroad and helped me as a college student reach out to more than just my local community. I think being able to see the personal impact that it gives individuals helps me feel like I have helped someone in a positive way. It makes me feel like something as simple as making the kits can help people from all walks of life. Like something I can do makes a difference and that makes me feel joyful. I would love to broaden my outreach more.”
This kind of personal growth is exactly why these organizational relationships are so vital. As Amy notes:
“Through partnerships with organizations such as Providence Connections, we witness the power of collaboration as a true agent of change—creating opportunities for students to build meaningful relationships, deepen their understanding of community needs, and contribute to lasting, positive impact.”
It is a beautiful reminder that compassion has no borders. A simple act—like packing a bottle of shampoo or a fresh pair of socks—ripples out to bring comfort, dignity, and a little bit of joy to someone across the world.
