Georgia College & State University’s (GCSU) annual GCSU Gives Day occurred Aug. 17, dispersing freshmen throughout their new community, Milledgeville, to learn the importance of giving back.
The expected economic impact of this year’s donated labor was $120,000.
“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.”
Two shifts of students, clad in blue t-shirts, were given instructions and a bagged breakfast. Then, they were bussed to more than 30 locations throughout the city to dig, plant, clean, organize and interact with the public at various civic nonprofits, businesses, schools, churches, and nursing homes.
The biggest volunteer site this year was the Life Enrichment Center’s second annual back-to-school “Kids Block Party” at the Urban Arts Village at 224 E. Walton St. Georgia College students helped set up booths and run games and learning activities for children.
Other GCSU Gives Day sites included the:
• OconeeRiver Greenway: Students cleaned debris, removed trash, and cut brush along its trails.
• BikeWalkBaldwin: Students cleared and built new biking trails.
• AnimalRescue Foundation: Students deep-cleaned and bathed dogs.
• ComfortFarms: Students planted gardens, worked with animals, and set up animal pens.
• LakeviewPrimary School: Students planted and beautified the grounds.
• CentralStateHospital: Students painted and cleaned the Chapel of All Faiths.
• LinusProject: Students made “no-sew” blankets to celebrate the project’s Milledgeville chapter.
• Georgia War Veteran’s Home: Students helped with the fall festival, ran activity stations and assisted with mealtime.
• LockerlyArboretum: Students wrapped lights for Christmas decorations.
• AndalusiatheHome of Flannery O’Connor: Students did outside work.
• MemoryHillCemetery: Students cleared and cleaned Flannery O’Connor family gravestones.
• GreenAcresHealth and Rehab: Students played bingo with senior citizens and polished fingernails.
- Contributed by University Communications