GVSU students put their talents and a little hard labor to good use

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More than 300 students from Grand Valley State University participated in the 21st annual National Make a Difference Day on Oct. 22 to support nonprofit organizations throughout West Michigan. And what a turnout they had.

“We had to turn volunteers away. The registration for this event maxed out,” said GVSU’s Service Initiatives manager Eric Stevens.

Not to mention, 23 local agencies benefitted from the generosity of students. Guiding Light Mission, YWCA, C-SNIP, Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan and Kids’ Food Basket were just a few of the nonprofit organizations the volunteers were bused to. The students tidied landscaping, sorted clothing donations, arranged food items at pantries, painted spaces and organized medical supplies, among other tasks.

“Students remarked how worthwhile the work was that they were partaking in,” says Stevens.”They really felt like they were making a difference. Evaluations from Make a Difference Day noted that many students are encouraged to continue their efforts with the organization they spent the day with.”

Dean Transportation provided the buses and Lake Michigan Credit Union donated the T-shirts for the event. All in all, the students donated $27,000 of service hours in one day.

Want to be a do-gooder too? Here’s how to get involved:

• Grand Valley State University on facebook and web

• Make a Difference Day on facebook and web

Source: Leah Zuber, Grand Valley State University; Eric Stevens, Grand Valley State University

Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor