On October 25, 2024, Stockton Action Volunteers for the Environment, also known as S.A.V.E, hosted their annual Harvest Festival. Harvest Fest is a celebration of sustainable practices, small business, local resources, and Stockton environmental clubs. The event took place in D/F Plaza, welcoming in over 300 students.

S.A.V.E.’s purpose is to volunteer around New Jersey, doing various acts of service. The organization also makes sure to get outside, and appreciate the environment while also protecting it. Harvest Fest is only one of the ways that the group brings awareness and connection to the environment. When asked what her favorite part about Harvest fest was, Co-Director Jessica Birtwistle said, “I like that it brings people together. People have come up to me saying, ‘this has made my day,’ or ‘this is so cute.’ Everyone has been so happy to be here. I loved meeting so many new people.”

Some of the commodities that made the event so special were the local vendors that attended; the purpose being to advertise small and accessible resources close to Stockton’s campuses. Atlantic County libraries, Faith’s Flower Farms, local plant based restaurant Greens and Grains, and Shuler’s Honey were a few of the incredible vendors that represented their businesses. S.A.V.E was also proud to invite some of Stockton’s own organizations and clubs like the Stockton Maple Project, Campus Thrift, Garden Club, and more. Additionally, student-run businesses were welcome to show off what they can do. They created anything from jewelry and crochet crafts to face painting and tarot readings. The most known part of the event, however, were the 250 pumpkins being given out for free: intended to be painted, carved, or repurposed. In addition to inviting sustainable and more eco conscious guests, S.A.V.E. members made it a priority to have minimal waste by composting pumpkin guts, seeds, and all donating all of the hay decorations to the sustainability farm on campus.  

Harvest fest was a time of fun, connection, and appreciation for sustainability, local businesses, and student run clubs. It was a joyful way to bring a close to the month of October.