Extravaganza provides service opportunities
Several different organizations helped kick off the Service Extravaganza as part of Utah State University’s service week last Thursday in the Taggart Student Center Sunburst Lounge.
Organizations like Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency, Spanish Ambassadors, Common Ground, Best Buddies, Friends of the Elderly, United Campus Volunteers and several others joined together to promote service in the community.
“Service is what brings the whole community together,” said Rachel Marshall, a sophomore majoring in elementary education and communicative disorders, who is also a member of the service organization Circle K International.
“It gives individuals the opportunity to rise above the occasion and help others in need,” Marshall said.
Circle K International, a world-wide service organization, has several different branches and organizes large-scale service projects, she said, and was one of the groups with booths set up around the lounge with representatives there to help answer questions.
The Service Extravaganza allowed students to ask questions and get involved with various organizations.
“I think it’s a good idea to let students know what organizations there are so that they can get involved with service,” said Megan Lux, a freshman majoring in social work.
There was a variety of different types of service that students could learn about. Students were able to receive information on what they could do, how they could sign up for organizations or just spend a few minutes and get some ideas on how to better serve the community.
Lauren Severino, a worker for Common Ground, said she thought the service extravaganza was a good thing.
“It’s a great way for non-profit organizations to get their name in the community,” she said.
Common Ground is a service organization that provides outdoor recreation for youth and adults with disabilities.
Severino said she hopes more people will get involved.
“We always have stuff going on,” she said, “we always need help.
“I think students can take time out of their schedule,” said Paul Garrett, a junior majoring in broadcast journalism, about students getting involved with service. “It doesn’t take a whole lot of time to get involved, but it makes a big difference.”
Many students, and those participating in the booths, expressed their approval of the Service Extravaganza.
Meagan Duffy, a junior majoring in elementary education, said she thought the Service Extravaganza was a good idea.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to get information to get involved with service,” she said.
-kevmour@cc.usu.edu