Knox College students performed volunteer work throughout the Galesburg community and toured the area during Explore & Engage Galesburg, an annual event that helps mark the start of the new academic year.

The Kleine Center for Community Service partnered with the Knox chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-educational national service fraternity, to sponsor Explore & Engage Galesburg on Sunday, September 11.

The event was just one part of a full day for members of the Knox community.

Students, faculty, and staff also gathered later Sunday for the unveiling of the new Prairie Fire mascot, a fox, and for the traditional Pumphandle ceremony, where everyone greets and shakes hands with one another. After Pumphandle, there was a campus picnic and the Carnival of Clubs.

For Explore & Engage Galesburg, students had the option of taking one of several tours or participating in community service.

The tours included a bicycle ride through Galesburg, an introduction to Galesburg art centers and cultural venues, a tour of local food systems, and a visit to Knox's Green Oaks Biological Field Station.

Students also could choose to volunteer at several places, including Kiwanis Park, Discovery Depot Children's Museum, Galesburg Civic Art Center, YMCA Early Learning Center, Knox Farm, Knox Bike Shop, and The Purple Hanger Resale Shoppe.

Sharon Agyemang ‘20 volunteered at The Purple Hanger after discovering all proceeds from the store go to Safe Harbor, a resource center for survivors of domestic violence.

Agyemang, who has done previous volunteer work, understands the importance of serving the community.

"You may never find the person who is touched by your efforts, but it's worthwhile knowing someone is helped," she said.

On the Knox campus, Nicole D'Alterio ‘20 was one of several students who painted original designs on reusable bags that will be used at FISH food pantry.

D'Alterio said she likes volunteer work. "It's something that brought me to Knox—the opportunity to help others," she said. "I feel I've had a blessed life. Anything I can do to help make others' lives easier, I should do."

Brady Sember ‘20 helped harvest butternut squash at the Knox Farm.

"Where I live (Streator, Illinois), farming's a big thing. I just thought, ‘Why not,'" he said. "Giving back is something I enjoy doing. It's second nature."

(Photos above: Knox College students perform community service and tour Galesburg as part of Explore & Engage Galesburg. Students and other members of the Knox College community get together for the traditional Pumphandle ceremony.)