According to Jimmy Barnett, a Service Learning Intern, as many as 200 volunteers are expected to take part in the area’s largest single-day community service project.
“The philosophy of service learning is to learn while volunteering. With so many projects, students can find ways to apply their knowledge in a meaningful way,” says Barnett, who is also earning a dual major in Psychology and Communication.
“Joining Day of Caring was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” says Angelica Lua, a Child Development undergraduate. “I love giving back to my community and this is a small way of doing it, even if it’s just one person and one day.”
Lua, who’s originally from Orange County, is participating in her fourth HSU Day of Caring. “I was taught to give back. With the community it’s not about the taking, it’s about the giving.”
Volunteers will meet on campus at 8 a.m. and depart from the Quad. Many worksites are within walking distance, while buses will be provided for sites further away. Local Kiwanis International chapters will host a barbecue in Eureka at noon.
Students can sign up at the Day of Caring table on the quad, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily through Wednesday, Sept. 17. There will be no late sign ups this year.
Volunteer projects include:
• Removing invasive plants from the Arcata Marsh
• Dune restoration and clean up at the Manila Dunes
• Removing invasive plants along Jacoby Creek
• Park building at the Jefferson Community Center & Park
• Garden maintenance and planting at the Potawot Community Garden
• California Coastal Clean ups at Eureka’s Cooper Gulch and waterfront, and on the Manila Dunes, coordinated with the Northcoast Environmental Center and City of Eureka.
• And many more!
HSU students interested in joining the efforts can visit the Day of Caring table on the Quad by Wed. 9/17, or phone the Center for Service Learning and Academic Internships at 707-826-4964.