University of Arkansas students really made a difference on the largest day of service for campus, known as Make A Difference Day.
With 22 service projects, more than 700 volunteers giving 1,532 volunteer hours, University of Arkansas Volunteer Action Center’s Make a Difference Day resulted in an economic impact of $45,883!
The Make a Difference Day kickoff began at 8 a.m. on October 22 at the Razorback Gardens with breakfast, coffee, and a t-shirt hand out. From there, volunteers and group leaders made their way to a community service project throughout campus and Northwest Arkansas.
President of VAC, Taylen Day said they have been planning this event since the end of last year.
“It has been a lot of planning and programming over the last six months,” Day said. “But it looks like a great turnout, so that’s really nice.”
Make a Difference Day’s service projects included a trail cleanup, Dream B.I.G. self-care kit packaging, and working at tricycle farms, Day said. Day recommends following the Volunteer Action Center’s social media, @UAVAC, to get involved in future events.
Volunteers for Dream B.I.G. worked to pack self-care and hygiene kits for middle school girls in Springdale. Dream Big Program is a one-on-one mentorship program with middle school girls whose mission is to increase confidence.
“Our normal program is a one-on-one mentorship but since they aren’t in school on Saturday we decided to make things we can just take to them,” said Grace Martin, a Dream B.I.G. Intern.
The packages included items such as deodorant, face wash, and soap donated by Buff City Soap Company. The bags were decorated by volunteers and included a friendship bracelet and personalized notes with a middle school story of their own.
“The purpose of what we are doing today is to meet a need for girls who may not have things like this available to them and home and then to make them smile and treat them a little bit, and encourage them to treat themselves,” Martin said.
Just outside the union where the packaging was taking place, more volunteers were spending their time at the VAC’s Full Circle Campus Food Pantry. VAC’s Alternative Assistance Coordinator, Sophia Anreder said volunteers were preparing for “pack the pantry” which is VAC’s main food drive during homecoming week. Different organizations and people bring in cans to “pack the pantry”, Anreder said. Volunteers helped prepare for this event on Make a Difference Day by cleaning out the basement and working in the garden.
“I think people would be surprised with how big of an issue food insecurity is. I know I wasn’t even aware of it until I joined the board and worked in the pantry, and saw how many people I knew coming through the doors. You see all types of people like janitors, construction workers, students, and teachers and it really is something that’s a pressing need that we can cater and be a resource to,” Anreder said.
Email pantry@uark.edu if you are interested in volunteering with Full Circle Campus Food Pantry, or check out their website for more information.
Photos by Shane White
