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HUNTINGTON UNIV MAGAZINE

Joe Mertz Center sponsors Fall Work Day

FOR RELEASE October 30, 2008

(left to right) Danielle Miller, Caroline Wilson, Jessica Eckenrode clear weeds at Kids Kampus.

Huntington, Ind.—The Joe Mertz Center for Volunteer Service at Huntington University held its annual Fall Work Day on Oct. 18. The event had 259 participants, including four faculty and two staff members. Volunteers served at various locations in the Huntington County community, including Kids Kampus, the Salvation Army, Love INC, Helping Paws, and the Boys and Girls Club.

(left to right) Patrick Burkholder, Luke Swartz, Spencer Batt, Ryan Bonner and Cory Powell assist with cleanup and maintenance at the Salvation Army.

Senior Joshua Lawrence was the JMC staff member who organized the event.

“It was definitely a team effort and everyone did their part to make it a success,” said Lawrence, a business management major from North Judson, Ind. “I was very impressed by the response from students, faculty and staff at the time of the event as well as in preparation for it. This event wouldn’t be possible without them, and I am very thankful. My hope is that it doesn’t stop here though, but rather serve as a catalyst for future service opportunities.”

(left to right)  Jenna Thurston, Laura Hudd and Alicia Miller help with outside cleanup at the Boys and Girls Club.

Lawrence hopes students take the opportunity to realize that service can be done in a practical way.

“This is a great way to put our beliefs into action and make a positive impact on others,” he said.

JMC Co-Director Laura Hustedt, a senior recreation management major from Martinton, Ill., encouraged students to see Fall Work Day as a head start to volunteering on a regular basis.

(left to right) Sarah Caley and Elisa Rosario put the finishing touches on a wall at the Boys and Girls Club.

“Volunteer 911, a service of the JMC, offers students the opportunity to volunteer within the community, and it’s flexible around their schedules,” she said.

The JMC has more than 28 programs that serve Huntington and Allen counties. 

Mike Darnell throws out garbage from the renovation at Habitat for Humanity worksite.

(left to right)  Lauren Sunderman and Kristin Lahmen help to clean windows at Helping Paws.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

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