WMU students fall into the spirit of volunteerism
Oct. 2, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- From cleaning up playgrounds to putting together cookbooks, hundreds of Western Michigan University students will "Fall Into the Streets" as they volunteer their time and talents from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 5 throughout Kalamazoo.
The event, which is being held on WMU Spirit Day, is expected to draw at least 550 volunteers, up considerably from last year's figures.
"Last year we had 32 sites and more than 400 volunteers," says Kristi Zimmerman-Frost, coordinator of student volunteer services. "This year we are expecting between 550 and 650 students. We've had such a great response from student organizations, we are having to call Kalamazoo community organizations to secure additional sites."
In addition to promoting volunteerism, Fall Into the Streets represents WMU's local project for Make a Difference Day, an annual event sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation. This year's national observance will be held Oct. 27.
Students will volunteer at more than 20 sites where activities range from gardening and yard work to neighborhood cleanup and clerical tasks. The Salvation Army, Kalamazoo Friends Meeting, Douglass Community Center, Pretty Lake Vacation Camp and the First Presbyterian Health Clinic are among the places students will volunteer.
"This event helps students connect with the WMU community in a positive way, and helps introduce students to volunteerism, a habit that we hope they will continue throughout their lives," says Zimmerman-Frost. "This is one opportunity for our students to give back to the Kalamazoo community."
"Fall Into the Streets" is organized by Student
Volunteers Services in WMU's Lee Honors College.
For more information, contact Kristi Zimmerman-Frost at (616)
387-3230 or <k.zimmerman-frost@wmich.edu>.
Media contact: Gail Towns, 616 387-8400, gail.towns@wmich.edu