As Veteran’s Day approaches, student groups planned ahead and prepared packages to send to military members abroad on the Quad on Saturday.

The package drive was sponsored by the Office of Volunteer Programs and Native American House as part of the National Day of Service and co-sponsored by registered student organizations Illini Veterans and Native American Student Organization.

Thomas Ferrarell, member of the Native American Student Organizations and senior in LAS, said student volunteers spent the day gathering donations that soldiers had requested. Items included food, games, writing utensils, stationery and reading materials.

“A lot of these things help them have these comforts that they don’t have out in the field,” said Jamie Singson, director of the Native American House. “We sent them things that would help them stay engaged when they’re in those moments of waiting for those long periods of time.”

Jessica Vargas, freshman in LAS, was one of many who donated items. She described giving back to the military as an honor.

“Giving back to those who are actively fighting for our country is such an honorable act,” Vargas said. “Even if it is just by giving common toiletries or canned goods, I feel good about myself doing it.”

National Day of Service, also known as Make A Difference Day, is one of the largest national days of community service, according to its website. The service day is held annually on the fourth Saturday of October.

Volunteers register projects within their communities, such as food drives, park cleanups or building repairs. Participants can act alone or work with a group of friends or family. They were expected to register their project several weeks before the event and spread the word through social media to raise awareness and recruit help.

They were also encouraged to take pictures and share them on Facebook on the Make A Difference Day photo album.

After volunteers completed their projects, they filled out a form describing the results of their project and the impact their service had on the community. Organization judges will select 10 submitted projects for national Make A Difference Day Awards, which include $10,000 donations to each project. The Gannett Foundation and USA Weekend Magazine will also donate $10,000 to a former national honoree who shows continued excellence in volunteerism.

Yele can be reached at [email protected].