All HandsOn Deck - October 2026

It’s hard to believe we are already six weeks into the semester. Our student coordinators are shocked, but also so excited for another new month of awesome volunteering opportunities!

As always, you should keep reading to find out what’s coming up, because here at HandsOn, October is so much more than Halloween. That being said, we do have some pretty spook-tacular events this month.

Before that, be sure to read all about how service has impacted a HandsOn celebrity: one of our former student coordinators, Campbell McNorton!

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Let's talk service

Hi there!

My name is Campbell McNorton, and I am the program administrator for the University Honors Program. Before finishing my degree at K-State, I served as a HandsOn student coordinator.

During my time with HandsOn, I learned the firsthand impact of service in the community, specifically why volunteering is vital for community wellbeing.

For example, my favorite HandsOn service event, Furniture Amnesty Day, a day on which hundreds of pieces of donated furniture go to new homes, exhibits the power of community. This day, which relies on hours of hard work from volunteers and donations from the community, has uplifted the greater Manhattan community by providing a space for unwanted furniture to find new homes instead of existing in landfills or on curbsides. It is a full circle moment for all participating community members as furniture is donated and rehomed.

As I transition away from the life of a HandsOn Student Coordinator, I will continue to uphold the idea of full-circle volunteerism that HandsOn promotes. Whether it is helping serve breakfast at a community kitchen, organizing donations at the Manhattan Emergency Shelter, or unloading couches for Furniture Amnesty Day, I volunteer to give back to the community that has given me so much support and love throughout the years.

-Campbell McNorton '26

Volunteer opportunities

Mobile Food Distributions

If you are looking for a way to volunteer that’s meaningful, impactful to the community, and fun to participate in, it’s great news that you’ve discovered Mobile Food Distributions.

A monthly on-campus event dedicated to reducing hunger, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend a couple hours giving back to the community.

Thanks to our incredible volunteers, we’re already filling up fast for our Oct. 9 event. Once it's full, we would love to see you Nov. 13!

Register to volunteer for Mobile Food Distributions at this link.

If you have any questions, email HandsOn at handson@k-state.edu.

Service Pitch Competition - Nonprofit Leadership

This semester, HandsOn is partnering with the Staley School's Nonprofit Leadership team to create an opportunity that we think is very exciting!

We are inviting YOU, the students, to pitch us your own service ideas for a chance to fund and implement the event of your dreams! If you are interested in participating, make sure you attend our Info Session on Monday, Oct. 5. The actual event takes place Wednesday, Nov. 11. So, in the next four weeks, dream it, pitch it, and let’s do it!

Students can learn more by visting the Service Pitch Competition website, following the Staley School of Leadership on Instagram, or you can email the HandsOn team at handson@k-state.edu.

Walk to End Alz - Alzheimer's Association

What if service was as easy as going to City Park and walking around? Sometimes, it is!

Saturday, Oct. 3, the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting their annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s awareness event. Registration is free, but fundraising and donations are encouraged. Oftentimes, the best thing you can do for a cause is to be present, vocal, and supportive.

All of the proceeds for this awesome event benefit the Alzheimer’s Association nonprofit to help fund their incredible organization. To learn more about them or to register to walk, visit the Walk to End Alz website.

HandsOn Day of Service

HandsOn is extremely dedicated to serving our local Manhattan community, but every once in a while, we get the exciting opportunity to take our volunteers on the road.

Join us Saturday, Nov. 14, for a fun day trip to Allen County, Kansas, for a community clean-up adventure. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided, and volunteers will return to Manhattan around 6 p.m. Not to mention, when paired with our November MFD, this event can turn a typical weekend into an epic weekend of service!

If you have interest in signing up for this opportunity, email HandsOn at handson@k-state.edu.

Boo at the Zoo - Sunset Zoo

Volunteering at the zoo is always a really fun and cool opportunity. Volunteering at the Sunset Zoo’s annual family trick-or-treating adventure complete with a costume contest and parade is an unmissable experience!

Oct. 23-25 is the annual Boo at the Zoo event, and they can’t put it on without you! If experiencing this fang-tastic event as a volunteer isn’t enough, you can also buy tickets and attend yourself. The best part is, since it’s a three day event, you have time to volunteer and go with your friends and family! Isn’t that fa-boo-lous?

If you are interested in volunteering for Boo at the Zoo, attending the event, or learning more about Sunset, visit the Sunset Zoo website.

HandsOn updates

HandsOn is starting the year with a bang!

We started the semester off strong with our Mobile Food Distribution a few weeks ago! We served 200 households with more than 500 residents, and we had 42 incredible volunteers to help us. Not to mention, our little puppy friend!

Thanks for reading the October edition of All HandsOn Deck.

Email the HandsOn Kansas State Team with any questions regarding the enewsletter.