West Virginia University - News and Information Services
WVU, United Way join forces for Make a Difference Day
Prepare a meal, help with chores, fill bags with personal care items – that is all it takes to make life a little brighter for a neighbor.
The West Virginia University Center for Civic Engagement is celebrating that spirit of volunteerism on Saturday (Oct. 27) – national Make a Difference Day – by bringing together students, employees and community members to participate in nine fall service projects.
They include:
- repairing drywall, painting and cleaning at Mental Health America;
- cleaning and cooking at Caritas House;
- taking part in the Appalachian Rags to Rugs project with PACE TEC;
- assisting In Touch and Concerned with chores at Morgantown Unity Manor;
- bowling with Compeer adult mental health participants at the WVU Mountainlair;
- preparing and having lunch with senior volunteers at Christian Help;
- helping Scott’s Run Settlement House stuff quilted bags with personal care items for patients at the WVU Cancer Center;
- building a handicap accessible ramp and repairing a porch for Literacy Volunteers;
- and assisting with clerical tasks at Milan Puskar Health Right.
“This is the sixth year WVU students and employees are joining millions of people across the country for Make a Difference Day, America’s largest day of volunteering,” said Kimberly Colebank, director of the Center for Civic Engagement.
Brett White, who is helping to organize Make a Difference Day, said it’s all about giving back to the community.
“Anyone can get involved in a project that helps others,” he said. “It might be as ambitious as installing drywall at a community center or as personal as helping an elderly neighbor.”
Last year, more than 100 volunteers mobilized to weatherize homes for Morgantown families on Make a Difference Day, Colebank said.
The Center for Civic Engagement is sponsoring Saturday’s event with the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties.
WVU students who participate can receive volunteer hours, and all volunteers will be treated to lunch, provided by the Boston Beanery, before beginning their service in the community.
To sign up online, go to http://simpleforms.scripts.wvu.edu/sf/madd/.
For more information, contact the Center for Civic Engagement at 304-293-8761.
Center for Civic Engagement
Office: (304) 293-8761