What could have taken weeks of volunteer effort was completed in just a few hours when about 30 Moravian University students, faculty and staff descended on Caring DAM Hearts in Walnutport as part of the university’s annual Heritage Day of service.

The volunteers sorted roughly 800 bags of donated clothing in about two hours, helping the nonprofit process a massive donation from Just Between Friends of Allentown, a semiannual pop-up consignment sale.

Moravian University has held Heritage Day for the past decade as a campuswide tradition that celebrates community roots and a commitment to service.

Classes are canceled for the day, allowing more than 1,200 students, faculty and staff to volunteer with nonprofit and community organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley area. Freshmen are required to participate.

While some volunteers spent the day cleaning libraries and cemeteries, feeding the homeless or assisting local clothing programs, Caring Hearts benefited from an influx of volunteers at a critical time.

The donation filled two basement rooms at the nonprofit’s headquarters on Lehigh Gap Street. Volunteers sorted the clothing into organized piles, making it easier for Caring Hearts to distribute items through its programs.

“We really enjoy giving back to the community,” said Tanya Nalesnik, a staff member at Moravian University. “We are having a lot of fun. We really look forward to this day. The mission of Caring Hearts is really great.”

Students also appreciated the opportunity to support the organization.

“To help recycle and repurpose the clothing is a great thing,” participants said.

Stephanie Kappeler, an intern volunteer who coordinated activities at the Walnutport site, said the volunteer effort made a significant difference.

“This Heritage Day from Moravian is just so huge for us,” Kappeler said. “They have been working and continuing to sort clothes. When our guest helpers saw our new Community Room, they were amazed. The vibe around here was just so exciting and positive.”

Caring DAM Hearts, at 241 Lehigh Gap St., Walnutport, is seeking vendors for an outdoor flea market scheduled for Oct. 15-17 on the lawn outside the Caring Hearts building. The market will run from noon to 4 p.m. each day, with vendor setup beginning at 10:30 a.m.

To register and reserve a space, call 484-240-9774.

Proceeds and donations support Caring Hearts’ mission of providing help, hope, love and resources to homeless individuals, veterans and other residents in need throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities. The organization’s motto is: “Enter as strangers, leave as friends.”