How unified is your community? Students at Western Kentucky University have the opportunity to take part in numerous volunteer activities as part of the National Volunteer Week efforts for “Got CommUNITY?” April 25-29. Activities throughout the week encourage students to make a difference in the local community and engage in meaningful service.                      

The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships and Leadership & Volunteerism joined efforts this year using the tagline “Got CommUNITY?” to convey a message that promotes joining together in our community and reaching out to those in need. Projects and events during the week include service to the environment, youth, homeless, and in areas of health.

The activities begin April 25 with a plarn-making workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Downing University Center followed by the Poverty Simulation presented by Community Action of Southern Kentucky from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DUC fourth floor. At least 80 community members and students are needed to take part in different scenarios as homeless or impoverished families.

On April 26, students will reflect on why poverty occurs and ways to combat it at the CANstruct for a Cause canned food drive. From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on WKU’s Centennial Mall, a number of student groups will build structures representative of their organization and then reflect on why there is a need for food. All non-perishable items will be donated to local food banks.

The Ultimate Lift will take place April 27, allowing students to beautify Bowling Green. Volunteers will start at Cherry Hall at 2 p.m. and walk downtown while participating in a scavenger-hunt-style cleanup with a project in the downtown square at the end.

On April 28, Kicking It With the Kids — a field day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club on Scott Way – will provide students with an opportunity to volunteer with the youth, helping them with team-building and leadership skills. Later that day, CAB-oom, sponsored by Campus Activities Board, will help students relieve stress in fun ways. Different booths will be set up on DUC South Lawn for individuals to participate in stress-relief activities from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The week will end on April 29 with WKU’s Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society.  The event will be held from 7 p.m. April 29 to 7 a.m. April 30 at the WKU Soccer Complex.

For individuals unable to take part in the daily activities, anyone can donate items for the homelessness drive and school supply drive. During the week, collections will be accepted at the ALIVE Center at 1818 31W By-Pass and Student Activities Office in DUC 326.

Volunteer Week is part of the national days of service recognized throughout the country. WKU has opted to celebrate during the last week of April, while other organizations may be celebrating during the third week of this month. If anyone is interested in participating in the projects, sign up at www.wku.edu/alive/volunteer.html.

If you have any questions about National Volunteer Week, contact Aurelia Spaulding at aurelia.spaulding@wku.edu, or visit www.wkualivecenter.com.