Nearly 800 UA students and staff rolled up their sleeves and performed service projects at local nonprofits on Oct. 24 for Make a Difference Day. They repaired stairs, painted walls, improved a community garden, all while gaining a greater appreciation for the needs in the community.
“We’ve been told that UA is reliably one of the largest collegiate participants nationally on Make a Difference Day,” said Alison Doehring, assistant director of student life at UA and the event coordinator. So strong is UA’s support that in 2014 the University was singled out for its efforts, earning the national Make A Difference Day Award.
Julie Jones, head softball coach, and her team volunteer annually on Make a Difference Day at Willard United Church of Christ in Akron. This year, they raked leaves, trimmed bushes, mowed grass, painted walls and cleaned floors.
“All of our work in the community, including Make a Difference Day, reminds us of how blessed we are,” Jones said. “It gives us an opportunity to spend time together off the field where each of us then takes on a different role. For instance, I am not the boss at this event. My staff and I are helpers, just like all of the members in our program.
“It also allows us to see the impact a few simple tasks and the lending of a helping hand can have on people, or in this case, an entire congregation,” Jones added. “Most of the members at Willard are older and cannot complete all of the tasks we complete each year. They look forward to us coming, and they are so gracious. Their kindness shows our kids how important helping others is and how being gracious can make anyone feel good.”
UA students expand a community garden during a previous Make a Difference Day.