SERVE-ing the Community

 

This past Saturday, August 28^th, the University of Virginia held its annual event known as Project SERVE.  Hoping to introduce first-years here on grounds to new friends, the community, and the chance to help others, Project SERVE allows UVa student volunteers to take part in a variety of activities throughout Charlottesville.  One main focus of Project SERVE is to “to introduce participants to local community service agencies and to the Charlottesville community” (Orientation and New Student Programs…).

With more than twenty-seven various service opportunities, students were able to sign up at the beginning of the previous summer until this past Saturday.  Participants could volunteer in activities such as landscaping at Venable Elementary School, sorting food donations and clothing at the Charlottesville Salvation Army, or simply socializing with residents of the local retirement community at the Martha Jefferson House.  With such a variety of choices, any student here on grounds could find a volunteering opportunity that most interested them.   

The event turned out as a great success.  One particular group helped paint a house for a local school teacher who could not afford the renovations that she needed.  Students around campus described the day as “a fun, good time filled with meeting new people”.  Not only were they provided a free breakfast and lunch in thanks for helping the community, students were rewarded through their experiences of contributing towards Charlottesville and acting as an active student body.