Calling Vandal volunteers — Make a Difference Day serves as reminder of the importance of volunteering

The population of Moscow grows by more than 11,000 every fall as students return to school, and with it, so does the strain on the community and its resources.

This weekend, the University of Idaho Center for Volunteerism and Social Action will host the 14th annual Make a Difference Day — an event dedicated to local volunteerism and giving back to the community that hosts thousands of out-of-towners every year.

Though the day is just one of many service opportunities sponsored by UI each year, it is just as important for students to get involved and understand the significance of serving Moscow’s nonprofits.

The university is fortunate to have an established, funded and active volunteer center, and though many students take advantage of the opportunity to get involved, many more could stand to do the same.

Every fall, nearly 400 students participate in Make a Difference Day alone. Groups have volunteered for a variety of service projects, from assisting at Orphan Acres Horse Rehabilitation to planting trees for watershed restoration efforts with the Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute. They’ve played games at local senior centers, and partipated in large scale maintenance projects like assisting with Habitat for Humanity in Lewiston.

These efforts never go unnoticed and are the reason many local nonprofits are able to continue the work they do year-round. The amount of service done by those 400 volunteers represents hours of work that might not get done otherwise. If a greater majority of the student body did their part in giving back, the impact could be immeasurable.

Students should continue to take advantage of the opportunity to get involved in the community, participate in national and international service work and make a difference in the world. Whether it be through days of service like Make a Difference Day, volunteering with the Vandal Food Pantry or participating in Alternative Service Breaks, there is always another opportunity for students to give back.

The university has established a long-standing track record of service, and with more than a decade of volunteer opportunities for students, it’s clear UI takes pride in the service its students provide. Whether a student is a first-time volunteer or an established service-provider, they should take advantage of every opportunity to join the ranks of students who understand the importance of giving back to the community that supports them nine months out of the year.

— KK

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