Ohio University Students Mark Volunteer Week With Whirlwind of Community Service Projects

Contact: Merle Graybill, Director of the Center for Community Service, graybill@ohiou.edu or (740) 593-4028

ATHENS, Ohio (April 18, 2001) -- Several Ohio University students will mark National Volunteer Week Apr. 21-28 as they best know how -- by assisting area residents. Fifteen service projects around the Athens County area are planned by the Ohio University Center for Community Service, which lines up local agencies needing help with students looking for volunteer opportunities.

About 100 students will be involved with eight area service projects that are scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 21, among them an education and spring clean-up project at the Kilvert Community Center near Stewart; and farm work at the Last Chance Corral, a haven for neglected horses, 5350 Route 33, Athens.

During the 1999-2000 academic year, the center coordinated efforts for 7,000 Ohio University students who provided 203,000 hours of community service. Volunteerism is mutually beneficial to area residents and to Ohio University students, who learn from their experiences.

"Volunteering has been an important part of my college career," said Sheila McCombs, who has been involved with the Center for Community Service for all four years she has attended the university. For two years, she has been president of AppalAction, the Ohio University Appalachian service corps, which provides assistance to communities outside of Athens. "It adds a human element to the college experience. It has been rewarding to see the positive impact a college student can have on another person. I've learned to be more sensitive to the needs of area communities, and I've been able to better understand what Athens is all about."

"I've been able to take the skills I've learned in the classroom and apply them to real people," McCombs said. "Some of the concepts I've been able to put in practice are group dynamics, planning and promoting events, recruiting students and running effective meetings. These are all qualities that will be important to me professionally."

Hilary Gilway, who has been involved with the Alpha Phi Omega and Circle K service organizations, said, "Being involved in community service projects has made me realize what's important. It has opened my eyes and allowed me to meet people of different backgrounds. It's exciting to see what a difference that college students can have in the lives of others."

"Community service adds a dimension to students' college experiences and builds traits that last a lifetime," Director of the Center for Community Service Merle Graybill said. "We're fortunate to be located in a region so rich in culture, and volunteerism offers an opportunity for students to better understand the area and more fully experience it. It makes them better-rounded individuals."

Some Volunteer Week activities include:

Saturday, Apr. 21

• Spring cleaning, HAVAR (Hocking, Athens, Vinton Area Residential), Nelsonville, Athens, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Brick laying, Dairy Barn, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Install playground equipment, River Valley Community Center, 8075 State Route 56, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Fence building, Last Chance Corral, 5350 State Route 33, Athens, all day
• Stream sweep, Monday Creek Watershed, 69 High St., Glouster, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Exterior painting, New To You Thrift Shop, 9 W. Stimson, 9 a.m. until finished
• Educational program & spring cleanup, Kilvert Community Center, near Stewart, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Recycling, Athens/Hocking Recycling, State Route 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 24

• Volunteer Reception, Kennedy Museum of Art, The Ridges, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Volunteer Recognition Party, Athens Community Center, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Softball game, SNAPPS (Special Needs for Athletes Partners Program), outside Ping Center, 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
• Volunteer luncheon, chair volleyball with seniors, Athens-OSU Extension community room, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 28

• Kidfest, Ohio University Convocation Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A listing of volunteer activities is available on the center's Web site at www.ohiou.edu/commserv/indvol.htm.