Be aware: hundreds of volunteers will infiltrate the Charlottesville area this Saturday in a one-day community-service frenzy.
The Office of the Dean of Students and the Parents Program, part of the U.Va. Alumni Association, are sponsoring the event, which will launch at 9:30 a.m. at the Student Activities Building. Potential volunteers can sign up for service projects that will be completed that same day.
Jonathan Riley, fourth-year College student and SERVE site co-chair, specified that the 23 service options include taking trips to nursing homes and local shelters and working with the Albemarle Housing Improvement Project or the Woman's Center.
After two to three hours of their chosen service activity, the volunteers will gather at O'Hill for a cookout and a Community Service Fair, where they can plan future volunteer opportunities.
SERVE is unique among volunteering experiences, Riley explained, because it is only a one-day commitment and provides an engaging introduction to community service in the Charlottesville community.
"It is really good for first years because they get a chance to go out into the community and find their niche," Riley said.
Although the event is geared toward first years, anyone wanting to expand their service horizons is encouraged to come and sign up, he added.
And it's not all work and no play.
Participants also are exposed to other students and community members who have similar interests.
"It is a good opportunity to meet other first years and interact with them in a community service setting -- to interact with them in a different setting than school," Riley said.
Third-year College student and SERVE site leader Stephanie Garback said ice-breakers and other group bonding activities also will make the day a social experience.
Garback is leading the "Computers for Kids" service activity, in which volunteers will be experimenting with and evaluating software designed for children.
Riley specified that approximately 300 people have already signed up for SERVE 2002, and that even more are expected to attend the actual event.
"It's a great way to spend your time," he said. "It's been an enjoyable experience for me."
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