More than 500 University of Georgia students participated in Dawg Day of Service, the university’s largest annual community service event, setting records for the number of participants and service sites.
The 11th annual event, on Saturday, September 21, had students cleaning spaces for the homeless, writing cards for memory care patients, and planting gardens, among other activities.
Serve UGA organizes the effort, which involves student-led groups within the Department of Engagement, Leadership, and Service. Students served over 30 locations in Athens-Clarke County and the surrounding area.
“I would recommend serving to other students because it gives one the ability to meet like-minded people and know that you are making a difference in what you did during the event,” said Sabrina Webb, a participant experience coordinator for Dawg Day of Service. “I believe through our core value of sustainable service we are able to leave a lasting impression and not a quick, fleeting action.”
Webb’s passion for volunteering stems from her experiences growing up on an animal rescue farm, which taught her the importance of caring for others.
In addition to off-campus activities, students contributed to on-campus initiatives, such as the UGA Period Project, Bulldog Basics, the Disability Resource Center, and the Professional Clothing Closet.
Digital volunteer opportunities, such as creating coloring sheets for children supported by the Athens Area Diaper Bank, were also available.
The following 30 sites benefited from student volunteers’ efforts:
- Athens Area Diaper Bank
- Athens Area Homeless Shelter
- Athens Area Humane Society
- Athens Community Council on Aging
- Athens Land Trust
- Atlanta Mission Thrift Store
- Bigger Vision of Athens Community Shelter
- Brightpaths
- Broad River Watershed Association (in collaboration with Ramsey Outdoor Recreation & Rivers Alive)
- Brooklyn Cemetery
- Burks Elementary School garden
- CHaRM
- Cleveland Road Elementary School garden
- Divas Who Win
- Extra Special People
- Family Promise of Athens
- Georgia Museum of Art
- Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Site 1
- Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Site 2
- Keep Oconee County Beautiful
- Lyndon House Arts Center
- Nuci’s Space
- Oconee County Library
- Oconee Forest Park
- Professional Clothing Closet
- Project Safe
- Spirit Ridge Rescue
- Sweet Olive Farm
- The Backpack Project
- Trial Gardens
- Whit Davis School garden
This article appears on Now Habersham in partnership with UGA Today
