VCU students give up their Saturday to volunteer

Picture it: Saturday, 9 a.m. It’s an unfamiliar time for many students, a time that means only one thing – sleep.

But sleep was not on the agenda for nearly 100 students who participated in VCU’s “Into the Streets” program Saturday. The half-day program started bright and early and let participants choose from 11 different volunteering activities.

Student volunteers met in the University Student Commons, registered for a volunteering activity and had some refreshments before they got to work.

Programs included everything from landscaping work in Monroe Park to volunteering at a Richmond Public Library.

“We’ve got everything,” said Beth Ward, Volunteer Services coordinator.

She spoke enthusiastically about the program and said it’s a great way to kick off the school year and get in touch with the community.

“It’s a real good chance for students to get connected with the Richmond community and give back to the community – and it’s fun,” she said.

Student volunteer Joshalyn Levister agreed.

“I’m doing it to give back to the community,” she said.

Levister volunteered with a group to restore parts of Bryan Park. She said the program is important and urged students to volunteer.

“Its just a day. A day won’t hurt anybody,” Levister said.

Jessica Gravely, who volunteered for a book drive at a Richmond Public Library, said she participated in the program again this year because it was such a great experience.

“I like to volunteer. It’s a good opportunity,” said Gravely, who sorted and unloaded books Saturday.

In addition to Bryan Park and the public library, volunteers were also needed at the Salvation Army, which is under a particular strain this year after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Volunteers helped people in need register for the Salvation Army’s services. Patience Ekperi devoted her time to the Salvation Army because she said it was an indirect way to help Hurricane Katrina victims.

“The whole country is affected in one way or another. I thought this would be a good way to help,” she said.

Closer to home, volunteers got dirty in Monroe Park. Several students worked to make their own backyard a little better. Abby Oremland, who helped with landscaping, said she recruited all her friends so they could do something for Richmond.

“I wanted to do something local I could see,” she said.

“Into the Streets” is a nationwide program sponsored at VCU by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, as well as the University Student Commons and Activities Volunteer Services.