Over 500 University of Georgia students participated in the university’s largest annual day of student-led community service this past Saturday, with students spread across 30 locations around Athens Clarke County to participate in the so-called Dawg Day of Service.
Celebrating its 11th year, the event set records for the number of volunteering students and service sites. Their efforts included cleaning spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness at Athens Area Homeless Shelter, writing cards for memory care patients at Athens Community Council on Aging , and planting gardens at schools and various local farms.
In addition to off-campus activities, students could contribute to on-campus initiatives, including 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.
Participating student organizations included the Black Affairs Council, Alpha Sigma Phi, ASL Dawgs, Filipino Student Association, Phi Beta Sigma, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., University Union, UGA Homecoming, UGA NAACP, the Graduate Student Association, and the Black Felicity Student Association.
Community partners with longstanding relationships with UGA students were also part of the event. Sabrina Webb, a participant experience coordinator for Dawg Day of Service and a service ambassador for UGArden, shared her heart for service.
“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,” Webb said. “I believe through our core value of sustainable service we are able to leave a lasting impression and not a quick, fleeting action.”