On a rainy Saturday morning, hundreds of students rolled up their sleeves and got to work across South Bend as they participated in the annual Back the Bend day of service. The initiative, led by Notre Dame’s Student Government, connects students from Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, and Holy Cross College with local organizations and neighborhoods.
This year, more than 28 local nonprofit organizations hosted students, who did yard work, cleaned, painted, organized donations, and participated in a variety of special events.
“Back the Bend is always an important event for students, as it offers an opportunity to serve and encounter our local community in ways we otherwise may not have,” says Ethan Chiang, director of South Bend engagement with Notre Dame's Student Government.
At Kelly Park, a group of about 12 student volunteers worked alongside the City of South Bend’s Venues Parks and Arts to prepare the space for summer. Their efforts included spreading mulch and tidying up the area to ensure the park remains a welcoming community space.
Just a few blocks away at Quigley Park, students worked alongside Bill Stenz, president of the Northeast Neighborhood Council. Volunteers cleared brush and leaves from the small park, which will soon undergo renovations, including a new welcome sign, seating, and solar-powered tables for community use.
“Many hands make light work,” Stenz shares. “Little did we know we would have student volunteers from the Notre Dame Marching Band drumline helping us. Just as those hands make a difference on the football field, they made a difference on our field.”
At the Christ Child Society of South Bend, volunteers assisted with an essential task — sorting thousands of socks for local children in need. Each year, the nonprofit distributes over 35,000 pairs of socks as part of its mission to provide new winter clothing to more than 5,000 children in St. Joseph County.
“The students were a tremendous help with this essential task,” says Betsie Pendarvis, a Christ Child Society of South Bend volunteer. “We are very grateful, and would love to have them back anytime.”
While students were busy volunteering at various locations, a group of seniors from the community were invited to participate in Back the Bend, boarding a bus tour that took them across campus and to Foundry Field. This event was facilitated by the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) and led by Lu-Ella Webster, adult programs coordinator at RCLC.
This marks the 14th year for Back the Bend.
Check out the photo gallery below (provided by Michael Caterina, University of Notre Dame photographer):
Originally published by at publicaffairs.nd.edu on April 03, 2025.