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Evangel University students serve community through Make A Difference Day

Published on Oct 7, 2013 by Anna Lester

On Saturday, Oct. 12, more than 200 Evangel University students, faculty and staff members will volunteer their time to serve the Springfield community.

Students will have a kick-off meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union and will team up to volunteer with numerous organizations throughout Springfield including Ronald McDonald House, Pregnancy Care Center, AG Center for the Blind and The Salvation Army, among others.

These activities will take place as part of USA Weekend’s annual Make A Difference Day, although Evangel’s observance will take place two weeks prior to the national event.

“Evangel decided to observe the occasion early for two factors,” said Donna Trower, Evangel’s Make A Difference Day coordinator. “One was a conflict with a student event — one of only four home football games this season. Also, the agencies have many volunteers on the actual Make A Difference Day, so they appreciate the fact that Evangel is giving them another day of productivity with an additional pool of volunteers.”

Make a Difference DayThe event will be sponsored by Global Connections, CROSSwalk, Evangel Student Government Association, Activities Board, the commuter office and the Social Work Club.

“Make A Difference Day activities are a wonderful way to express our call of service to others in our community,” Trower said. “I love our students’ willingness to reach out and help others.”

Evangel’s observance of Make A Difference Day began in 2005 under the direction of Lacey Nunnally, social work program director, who is a driving force for volunteerism on campus.

USA Weekend’s Make A Difference Day is an annual event that occurs on the fourth Saturday of October. Created by the magazine in 1992, it has grown into the largest community service effort in the nation, rallying corporations, government leaders, charitable organizations and everyday Americans into action on one day. Each year, 3 million people participate worldwide, helping millions more.

For additional information contact Donna Trower at (417) 865-2815, ext. 7321.