K-State's Community Service Week Oct. 16-21

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Source: Patrick Simpson, 785-532-3650, pcs@k-state.edu

Thursday, October 12, 2006

K-STATE'S COMMUNITY SERVICE WEEK OCT. 16-21

MANHATTAN -- Nearly 250 Kansas State University students are expected to donate their time and energy Oct. 16-21 for Community Service Week. The week provides area service agencies with needed assistance and students with service-learning experiences.

For several years, Community Service Week was organized by the university's community service program and primarily targeted students in the University Experience course led by Judith Lynch, director of the Academic Assistance Center. Recently, the community service program became part of K-State's civic leadership, the newest branch of the university's leadership studies and programs. Mary Hale Tolar, associate director of leaderships studies and programs, is encouraging full utilization of the partnership between civic leadership and the community service program.

In addition to 100 students from the University Experience course, this year's Community Service Week also will include students from the Introduction to Leadership Concepts course, members of K-State's AmeriCorps Youth Service team, members of the American Humanics Student Association and students who just want to volunteer their time.

Projects the students will be involved in include assisting with repairs and renovations at Manhattan's Sunset Zoo, as well as helping out at the zoo's largest event, SPOOKtacular, Oct. 28-29. At the K-State Child Development Center, volunteers will do some cleaning, paint a new classroom and play with children. Some students will journey to Tuttle Creek to install fish habitats made in April during the K-State Student Government Association's co-sponsored Day of Service. The K-State Gardens, Manhattan Arts Center, Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Boys and Girls Club, Sunflower CASA, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Homecare and Hospice also will sponsor projects.

Patrick Simpson, with K-State's AmeriCorps-VISTA programs, said he wants to connect any K-State student wishing to serve with an opportunity to provide meaningful service.

"Whether it's during Community Service Week or any time, whether it's an individual or an organization, K-State civic leadership is committed to enhancing the student experience through service-learning," Simpson said.

Students interested in volunteering should contact Simpson at 785-532-3650 or pcs@k-state.edu