Hundreds of helping hands are expected to be at work across Stockton on Thursday, August 20, as University of the Pacific students take part in the university's Pacific Day of Service.
The service effort will run from approximately 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with students working alongside community organizations at locations throughout Stockton and the surrounding area.
Projects will cover a wide range of community needs, including neighborhood beautification, gardening, cleanup projects, renovations and activities directly serving local residents.
Organizers have identified several areas of focus, including food security and hunger relief, parks and community beautification, urban agriculture and sustainability, animal welfare, youth and education, senior services, housing and family support.
One of the service locations includes Oak Park, where students will participate in projects in partnership with the City of Stockton.
Introducing New Students to Their Community
The Day of Service takes place during students' first week on campus and serves as an introduction to the Stockton community beyond the boundaries of the university.
Participants begin the morning at Pacific before dispersing to their assigned community projects.
The event reflects the university's emphasis on community engagement and gives incoming students an immediate opportunity to learn about the organizations and neighborhoods surrounding the Stockton campus.
For the community partners involved, the program also provides a concentrated group of volunteers able to tackle projects that might otherwise take days or weeks to complete.
The impact may be visible in cleaned-up parks and gardens, but the larger goal is to build connections between students and the city they will call home during their years at Pacific.
Event Details
What: Pacific Day of Service 2026
When: Thursday, August 20, approximately 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Community service locations throughout Stockton and surrounding areas
Participants: University of the Pacific students and community partners
As a new academic year begins, Pacific's Day of Service offers students a different kind of introduction to Stockton - one that starts not in a classroom, but by giving back to the community.