ATHENS, Ohio (March 31, 2000) -- Plant a garden. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister. Organize a food drive. Clean up the highways. Help someone learn to read.

Thousands of Ohio University students participate in these kinds of volunteer activities each year, and the university's Center for Community Service invites local residents to do the same during National Volunteer Week April 8 through 15. The Center for Community Service -- which serves as a connecting point for students, faculty, staff and local residents interested in volunteering -- is coordinating volunteer opportunities every day during the weeklong observance and recognizing individuals who regularly serve.

"It gives us an opportunity to celebrate the students and community members who make a difference in our corner of the world," said Center for Community Service graduate associate Jennifer Cochran.

More than 6,000 Ohio University students contributed 212,000 hours of volunteer service to the region during the 1998-99 school year, and their level of service continues to grow -- both in and out of the classroom. Students are becoming more socially active by participating in volunteer efforts such as Habitat for Humanity, the University Community Action Network and projects through Greek organizations. More faculty also are giving students the opportunity to perform community service as part of their classwork. In fact, some service-learning courses are devoted entirely to volunteerism, such as students teaching dance to developmentally disabled children and writing grant proposals for community-based organizations.

"There's been a steady growth over the past five years in individual volunteering, in community service tied to coursework and by student organizations," said Interim Dean of Students Terry Hogan. "Community service is a win-win proposition. Students learn and grow from the experience, and the community benefits from students' contribution."

Here is a list of volunteer opportunities available beginning April 8. Campus and community members interested in volunteering should call the contacts listed. For more information on the Center for Community Service, call (740) 593-4007, visit the center's Web site at www.ohiou.edu/commserv or send an e-mail to community.service@ohio.edu

• Saturday, April 8: Environmental Work Day, ReUse Industries, 50 volunteers needed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for various recycling efforts (Jennifer Johnston, 698-8200); and Glouster Cleanup, Rural Action, up to 20 volunteers needed to pick up trash and do yardwork and window cleaning from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tamara Brown, 767-4938)
• Sunday, April 9: Moving Day at the Dairy Barn Southeastern Ohio Cultural Arts Center, up to 15 volunteers needed to move boxes to a storage facility from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Rachel Binegar, 592-4981)
• Monday, April 10: Moving Day at the Dairy Barn from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Artist Entrepreneurial Workshop at the Dairy Barn from 1 to 3 p.m. (Rachel Binegar, 592-4981)
• Tuesday, April 11: Moving Day at the Dairy Barn from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Artist Entrepreneurial Workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Rachel Binegar, 592-4981)
• Thursday, April 13: Woodworking project, Good Works, two volunteers needed for staining, painting and light carpentry (Kenneth Weinkauf, 594-3333)
• Friday, April 14: Women in Business Expo, Women's Business Resource Program, at the University Mall from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., up to five volunteers needed (Debra McBride, 593-1795); and WOUB Radio Membership Campaign in the Radio and Television Communications Building from 6 a.m. to midnight, up to 100 volunteers needed. (Ami Schiffbauer, 593-4994)
• Saturday, April 15: WOUB Radio Membership Campaign continues; and spring cleanup, ReUse Industries, 10 volunteers needed to clean reusable donations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Jennifer Johnston, 698-8200)