‘UMaine Cares’ Plans Make a Difference Day Service Events
Contact: Lauren Wagner, (207) 581-1796
ORONO — The Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism is inviting members of the UMaine student body and campus community to participate in the sixth annual “UMaine Cares” volunteer service event in observation of National Make a Difference Day, Oct. 23.
UMaine Cares began in 2005 as an effort to raise funds for people affected by Hurricane Katrina. Student groups and individuals volunteered their time to clean up areas of campus. For each volunteer participant, one dollar was donated to the relief fund. The program has shifted its focus to serving the needs of surrounding communities for a two-day service event. Last year, 240 students and staff volunteers participated in 16 different projects, and organizers hope to have even more this year.
“UMaine Cares is a great way for large groups of students to become connected with the community,” says Lauren Wagner of the Bodwell Center. “It also provides an opportunity for students to become aware of community needs and hopefully encourage them to continue being involved in service.”
Many organizations in the community have already signed on to host UMaine students on Friday, Oct. 22 or Saturday, Oct. 23. The Challenger Learning Center is inviting students to assist in its Halloween Science Night and Friends of Fort Knows is looking for volunteers to guide visitors through its Fright at the Fort Course Friday and Saturday evenings. Other participating organizations include Food and Medicine, Parkside Children’s Learning Center, Bangor Homeless Shelter, Sea Coast Mission, Orono/Old Town YMCA, Brewer and Orono Parks and Recreation departments, Ronald McDonald House and Leonard’s Mills Historic Settlement, Boys & Girls Club of the Penobscot Nation and Family and Children Together.
For more information on the event or to volunteer, contact Wagner at 581-1796 or email Lauren.wagner@umit.maine.edu.