MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Georgia College and State University’s first-years may have just arrived on campus, but the school is already getting them integrated into the community.
On Saturday, GCSU brought all first-year students to give students a lesson in volunteer work at GCSU Gives Day.
The event is expected to provide an economic impact of $120,000 in donated labor.
The university, which prides itself on its community service, said in a release how they want to get students started early.
"GCSU Gives Day is a fundamental piece of the liberal arts education we provide students at Georgia College," said Ashley Copeland, director of Community Engagement & Service. "We want to create informed citizens who care about people and the community they're moving into," Copeland said. "Right from the start, GCSU Gives Day shows our new students what it means to be a part of Georgia College. We give back."
Students, in two shifts, were sent out in blue T-shirts, instructions on their assignment and a bagged breakfast. They were then be bussed to more than 30 locations throughout Milledgeville.
A release from the university said they dug, planted, cleaned, organized and interacted with the community at various civic nonprofits, businesses, schools, churches and nursing homes.
The biggest event Georgia College participated in is the Life Enrichment Center’s second annual back-to-school “Kids Block Party” in the Urban Arts Village.
Students ran booths and learning games and activities for children. The university's Bobcat mascot, Thunder, interacted with the public, along with Spike the GMC bulldog, Chick-fil-A's cow and Milly the owl.
Other volunteering sites include:
Oconee River Greenway, 420 E. Greene St. Students cleaned debris, removed trash and cut brush along trails.
Bike Walk Baldwin, 59 GA-22. Students cleared and built new biking trails.
Animal Rescue Foundation, 711 S. Wilkinson St. Students deep cleaned and bathed dogs.
Comfort Farms, 347 Horace Veal Rd. Students planted gardens, worked with animals and set up animal pens.
Lakeview Primary School, 273 Blandy Rd. Students gardened, plant and beautified the grounds.
Central State Hospital, 171 Allen Rd. Students painted and cleaned the Chapel of All Faiths.
Linus Project, 220 S. Wayne St. Students made 'no-sew' blankets to celebrate the project's Milledgeville chapter.
Georgia War Veterans Home, 2249 Vision HWY. Students helped with fall festival, run activity stations and assist with mealtime.
Lockerly Arboretum, 1534 Irwinton Rd. Students wraped lights for Christmas decorations.
Andalusia the Home of Flannery O'Connor, 2628 N Columbia St. Students did outside work.
Memory Hill Cemetery, 301 West Franklin St. Students cleared and cleaned Flannery O'Connor family gravestones.
Green Acres Health and Rehab, 313 Allen Memorial Dr. Students played bingo with senior citizens and polished fingernails.
The event ran from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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