ReStore Habitat for Humanity of Portage County in Kent filled with proactive Kent State alumni for the fifth annual National Alumni Day of Service on Saturday.

“It gives alumni a sense of pride for Kent State and a sense of giving back to their communities,” said Kellie Mayle, assistant director of alumni relations.

Jan Bennett, manager of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Portage County, said ReStore works for Habitat for Humanity by using the money it generates to buy material to build houses in Portage County.

“We get furniture and various things donated here by people and we clean them up and sell them for two by fours and other material,” Bennett said.

Alumni who participated in National Alumni Day of Service at the ReStore in Kent helped load furniture and home goods into shoppers’ cars and restocked furniture in ReStore’s showroom.

“It’s always fun to reunite with people you might have known in college and other alumni to share experiences and talk about our time at Kent State,” said Karen Schotield, fifth year participant in National Alumni Day of Service and 1976 graduate of Kent State.

Schotield said she has seen growth in the participants in National Alumni Day of service since it began five years ago.

“There are so many sites alumni of Kent State can participate at now across the nation, and there’s always a good crowd here in Kent,” Schotield said.

Bennett said ReStore is designed for volunteers to help operate the store. She said volunteers are always at the store and there is a core staff who oversees their work.

“I love National Alumni Day of Service because a lot of educated folks come to help out of the goodness of their hearts,” Bennett said. “They become part of our team.”

“The alumni office is always looking for opportunities for students to reconnect,” Mayle said. “National Alumni Day of Service provides a unique opportunity for alumni to do so while giving back to their communities.”

“It’s only once a year,” said Julian Smith, 2002 graduate of Kent State. “I think if you volunteer once, you want to continue to do it each year.”

Arielle Campanalie is the transportation reporter for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at[email protected].Arielle Campanalie is the transportation reporter for the Daily Kent Stater.