On March 29, the Yale Community Kitchen (YCK) hosted a memorable Yale Day of Service event, where approximately 25 volunteers from diverse backgrounds came together to support the New Haven community. Volunteers included a Yale professor and his daughter, alumni and their families, current students, and staff—all united by a common goal: to give back and build connections between the Yale and New Haven communities.
The event saw participants working side by side, preparing to-go meal boxes, which were then distributed to individuals in need who came to the Yale Community Kitchen. Volunteers were deeply moved by the opportunity to serve others and make a tangible impact on their local community.
Dr. Jonathan Grauer, a professor at Yale School of Medicine, shared his experience: "I joined Yale Day of Service with my daughter by volunteering at the Yale Community Kitchen. Not only did I find it to be a rewarding experience, but I learned of ways to volunteer in our community and met a great group of people."
The day also brought together current Yale college students, including Laura Lin ’26, who reflected on the meaningful impact of the day: "Yale Community Kitchen is a great way to get involved with the local community. I enjoyed meeting Yale alumni and students, as well as serving the broader New Haven community together."
For prospective student Socrates Tse, the event held personal significance. He shared, “Since the pandemic, I’ve volunteered at several Yale Day of Service events, including soup kitchens in New York and creating card decorations for meal recipients. I am thrilled to be part of the Yale Community Kitchen event, where I can contribute to bringing together the Yale and New Haven communities.”
The Yale Community Kitchen, a student-run soup kitchen at Yale, serves meals donated by Yale Dining every Friday and Saturday evening to support the greater New Haven community. As part of the broader Yale Day of Service and New Haven Community Days to celebrate the inauguration of President McInnis, this event highlighted the profound impact that communities can have when they come together to support one another. We are excited for future opportunities to further strengthen the bond between Yale and New Haven.
Get Involved:
Yale students, alumni, and local community members are invited to join us in future service efforts. Whether you're looking to volunteer or support our mission, there are several ways to make a difference:
- Volunteer: Sign up for a shift at the Yale Community Kitchen (YCK) through our volunteer list: YCK Volunteer Sign-Up
