Despite soggy weather, 121 student volunteers – including the entire swim team – turned out for COAR’s annual Into the Streets service event on Saturday, Sept. 23. Each volunteer earned three service hours.
Many projects were moved indoors or cancelled due to the rain, but the students’ volunteer spirit shone through.
“All the preparation we did for weeks was redone in the last couple of days before the event,” said UMW student Sarah Hybl. “It was not easy, but the dedication and passion of our staff, members and volunteers really shined.”
Mostly indoor projects made up the day. Participants helped Operation Gratitude, making cards and paracord lanyards for deployed troops. They created cards for seniors in nursing homes, decorated tote bags for care packages for children in Fredericksburg City Schools, and made no-sew fleece blankets to donate to children in Fredericksburg City Schools. Volunteers also made bookmarks and friendship bracelets, as well as holiday ornaments for an Old Dominion Humane Society fundraiser.
Other projects included
- Shelving food, cleaning, and working on mural for Gwen Hale Resource Center
- Drove to Fredericksburg Area SPCA; cleaned and socialized with the animals (pet cats)
- Drove to the library; dusted, reshelved books, other tasks like cutting and folding brochures
“Into The Streets was a major success. With 120 volunteering students, we made a huge impact in the Fredericksburg community,” said Mary Washington student Knox McKinley. Despite the rainy conditions, community engagement at UMW has never looked better!”