Drew Students to Roll up Sleeves in Service to Morris County
MADISON,
NJ—On August 27, more than 20 local social service agencies and
nonprofit organizations will receive a flood of energetic volunteers
from Drew University as the school marks its first-ever Day of Service.
Over 500 students from Drew’s new first-year class will spend the
afternoon working at community service sites throughout Morris County
as part of their new student orientation program.
“The health
and vitality of our community depends upon the contributions of
volunteers,” said Amy Koritz, director of Drew’s Center for Civic
Engagement. “Drew is deeply committed to the well-being of our shared
world, which is why we’re working to get our students in the habit of
giving back.”
Local organizations that will accept Drew
volunteers include The American Red Cross, Deirdre’s House, Dress for
Success of Morris County, the Morris County Parks Department, Morris
Habitat for Humanity, and Project Porchlight.
The Collinsville
Child Care Center, a nationally accredited daycare facility that serves
low-income families, plans to have its Drew volunteers interact with
the center’s children, and help clean toys and games.
“When
college students come to help at the center, their energy stimulates
our children and enriches our program,” said Karen Wasick, executive
director. “It’s also great for parents to see the community taking an
interest in their kids.”
The Day of Service is jointly
sponsored by Drew and United Way of Morris County, an organization that
works to “enhance the common good of our communities in the areas of
education, income and health.”
According to Laura Tan,
coordinator of young adult engagement for United Way of Morris County,
“the Day of Service is an exciting way to kickoff the partnership
between United Way and Drew. It also gives first-year students a great
opportunity to see how their actions can have a positive impact on the
Morris County community and hopefully encourage them to continue to
volunteer.”
Each Day of Service volunteer site will have six
to 100 students assigned to it. Drew’s Orientation Committee members
will receive special training prior to the Day of Service and will
serve as each site’s chaperone.
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Posted: August 24, 2009
