LYNN — Daysha Montalvo was busy cleaning tables inside Girls Inc. on High Street on Friday. The Lynn resident was one of several Salem State University students volunteering their time to get the facility ready for the fall.
“It means a lot because if it were me going here I would appreciate it,” she said, “and volunteering somewhere I live is a bonus.”
The fix-up at Girls Inc. was one of several Salem State volunteer events held throughout the day. More than 150 students, alumni and staffers pitched in at 34 different sites across the North Shore, according to Salem State President John Keenan.
Keenan said the volunteers embodied what he calls “the SSU way.”
“One of our goals, along with providing education, is to make sure that our students become good citizens as well,” he said..
Girls Inc. of Lynn Executive Director Deb Ansourlian said the work highlighted the organization’s partnership with the school.
“SSU is a great supporter and partner and for us to be included in this day is amazing,” she said.
That connection goes beyond preparing the building, Ansourlian said. Salem State will invite Girls Inc. kids to join educational programs on campus and Girls Inc. will provide internship opportunities for Salem State students.
“It is important for these girls to step foot on a college campus so they can imagine themselves there in the future,” she said.
