Utah State students spend weekend serving
Saturday was a day of service for many Utah State University students. All throughout Logan, student volunteers worked hard to beautify the city and help those in need.
Although some students were inspired by a management class taught by professor David Herrmann, many other students joined their friends, spouses and peers in an effort to get involved in the well-being of their community.
Special Olympics
Tyrus Snyder had a big smile on his face as he climbed out of the pool in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation building Saturday morning — because all of his coaches were cheering for him.
“Good job, Ty,” said Parker Robison, a student volunteer coach, while giving him a high-five. Snyder smiled and began to climb the ladder for another jump off the diving board.
Snyder, who has Down syndrome, was able to participate in the Special Olympics this year with the help of Robison and other students who are giving their time and energy to make it possible for those with disabilities to play sports.
Once a week for the past few months, dozens of student volunteers gathered together to teach basketball, swimming and bocce ball to community members with special needs.
Robison said some students have donated the equivalent of several weeks to the cause. He said the volunteers are happy to help the athletes.
“It’s honestly priceless,” Robison said.
He said the athletes “have an opportunity to do something they normally may not get to — to exercise and socialize with other people.”
Jordan Clark, another volunteer coach, said they enjoyed watching the athletes improve.
“It’s cool to see how excited they get that they’re accomplishing new things,” Clark said.
The athletes are preparing for the Special Olympics state qualifiers next week, so the current sports will be over soon, but the athletes will be able to participate in winter sports next semester.
Robison said there is always room for more help. Students who are interested have the opportunity to coach the athletes or simply cheer them on.
Fairgrounds restoration
Saturday morning, another group of volunteers gathered at the Cache County Fairgrounds to finish painting bleachers, a project which they had already spent over 150 hours working on.
Bart Esplin, manager of the fairgrounds, said he was grateful for the help because he knew he wouldn’t have the time to paint the bleachers this year.
“It’s a project that needed to be done,” Esplin said. “I know I wouldn’t have gotten to it with my staff. This expands what we’ll be able to complete with the limited resources we have.”
Shannon Davidson, a student volunteer, said they hope their efforts will help show the community and its visitors that Logan is a beautiful place.
By the end of the day, the group had given about 200 hours of service to the Cache County Fairgrounds.
Cancer bake sale
A young girl in Logan was recently diagnosed with cancer, so several Utah State University students decided to hold a bake sale Saturday morning to help pay for her medical costs.
Although the students were unable to disclose her name, they said they have enjoyed doing a service project for a young, local girl in need of help.
Cole Jensen, a student who was helping at Saturday’s bake sale, said he is happy to be doing a project for someone who really needs it.
“It makes [the project] more personal knowing we’re really helping someone,” Jensen said.
On Saturday alone, the students were able to raise nearly $400 toward their $1000 goal.
“We’ve been surprised,” said Rachel Clark, another student volunteer. “We weren’t expecting to make this much today.”
The students baked half of the goods and the other half was donated by Shaffer House Bakery. Some other local businesses also donated gift cards to help pay for supplies.
The group will hold another bake sale on Oct. 28. They hope this bake sale, which will be held on the Utah State campus, will help them earn the $700 necessary to reach their goal.
—melmo12@gmail.com
Twitter: @mcfenstermaker