Providence, R.I.--An estimated 200 members of the Providence College community are expected to volunteer at the College's first Spring into Service Day on Saturday, April 25.
The event is being organized by Kathleen Reed '12 of Lafayette, Ind. Reed undertook leadership of the service opportunity as part of her Foundations of Organizational Service (PSP 202) class, taught by Dr. Richard M. Battistoni, professor of political science and department chair and professor of public and community service studies.
Reed said the day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with check-in and breakfast at Davis Park in Providence. Then, volunteers will be assigned to a specific service location. From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., volunteers will pick up trash at Davis Park, attend to the Smith Hill Library garden, and clean up Riverside Park, Twitchell Park, and several Providence streets.
In addition to PC students, faculty, and staff members, Reed said volunteers from La Salle Academy in Providence, Providence-based youth baseball teams, and local Youth RAP programs, an out-of-school program for youths living in the area, will join the effort.
Reed added that volunteers have been putting up posters around campus and will be soliciting volunteers in the Slavin Center throughout the week.
"Because this event is open to everyone, I hope that volunteers can see that through service, they can help the community and learn from other people with whom they may not have ordinarily come into contact," Reed said.
Though this is the maiden Spring into Service Day, Reed is hopeful it won't be the last.
"I would like this day to become a yearly expression of hope in the community, showing that there are people who are willing to spend a day working together to help the community that they live in," Reed said. "It's a way for community members and members of the Providence College community to work cohesively to accomplish something that benefits everyone."
For more information on Spring into Service Day, contact Reed at kreed4@providence.edu.
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