The deadline to register for the annual “Make a Difference Day‚” has been extended to Monday.
The event, which is entering its tenth year, has become an important connection between the University of Idaho and the Moscow community.
“Make a Difference Day has evolved into something that is iconic,‚” said Samantha Storms, ASUI student coordinator. “We’re fortunate to live in a community that is as welcoming as Moscow.”
The ASUI Center for Volunteerism and Social Action is looking for 500 volunteers to serve 31 sites throughout the Moscow community and surrounding area. Volunteers will prepare creekbeds for winter, pick up trash, paint and even carve pumpkins with the elderly. Sites include organizations such as the Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute, Moscow Parks and Recreation, Moscow Recycling, the Appaloosa Horse Museum, Orphan Acres horse ranch, as well as many others.
“As a student at the U of I you are coming into a community, and so you should feel the obligation to give back to that community‚” Storms said.
ASUI student coordinator, Laura Exley, said Vandals have a legacy of service in the community and are encouraged to sign up in groups or as individuals.
“If you want to sign up individually it’s a great way to meet people who are passionate about volunteering‚” Storms said.
Exley said a number of sororities, fraternities and residence halls are already signed up.
Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. Oct. 22 to check in and meet with their site leaders. Volunteer service will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m.
Although volunteers do not get to choose which site they will be assigned to, groups who sign up together will be kept together. All volunteers receive a free T-shirt.
Students should sign up online at www.asui.uidaho.edu and use the orgsync link provided.
“It’s just a great way to give back‚” Exley said.