In an article in the Telegram & Gazette, Jeffrey Reppucci ’14, shared his motivations behind organizing Working for Worcester, a day in which volunteers from local colleges, businesses and other organizations, renovated 12 recreational sites across the city.
As reported by the Telegram & Gazette, “The idea for Working for Worcester sparked after [Reppucci] went to Suzdal, Russia, last year and developed a comprehensive sports and wellness program at a school and orphanage.”
Upon returning to the U.S., he was inspired to do similar work in the local community.
“How do we help kids? How do we empower them?” he asked. “One way I've been empowered is through sports.”
At the end of the day, more than 500 Working for Worcester volunteers had provided $60,000 worth of improvements to the Worcester Youth Center, The Village Center, AIDS Project Worcester, Cookson Park, Middle River Park, Maloney Field, South High Community High School, Grafton Street School, Elm Park Community School, Rice Square School, Goddard Street School and Belmont Community School.
A Russian major and member of the hockey team, Reppucci is the founder of Students Helping Children Across Borders, an international nonprofit organization that provides recreational and educational opportunities to underprivileged children around the world.. Earlier this month, he wasselected as a 2013 Harry S. Truman Scholar. The highly competitive scholarship, which provides $30,000 for graduate study, was awarded to 62 college juniors from across the country with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to a public service career. 
This ‘Holy Cross in the News’ item by David Cotrone ’13.
