Students give up free time to volunteer
University of Indianapolis students volunteered at the annual Super Saturday of Service on Sept. 18.
Groups of students headed off to two different events to give back to the Indianapolis community. The event was ultimately sponsored by Circle K, but any UIndy student was welcome to attend.
Circle K teamed up with Grace on Wings, the nation’s only airborne health service organization to raise awareness for the organization and also raise funds toward the organization’s charity service. Also as part of Super Saturday of Service, students from the UIndy Honors College volunteered at Masterpiece in a Day, a creative arts and writing contest held annually in Fountain Square.
The event Circle K and Grace on Wings collaborated on took place at the Indianapolis International Airport at 9:30 a.m. and the event lasted until 4 p.m.
The 13 students who volunteered at the airport were divided into four groups, each serving a different station at the event.
The stations included silent auction, donations, games and food distribution.
Volunteer at the game station and freshman Ashley Emery enjoyed the experience.
“It was a blast, just coming here to give back to the community and learn more about what they do,” Emery said.
At Masterpiece in a Day, Honors College students volunteer their time in many different ways.
The event was a contest in which people were challenged to create original artwork or creative writing pieces.
Student volunteered their time at the arts and crafts booth at the event painting old records, making masks and painting faces. Junior Anna Elzer elaborated on the roles UIndy students played at the event.
“We relieved vendors from their booths and provided hospitality for them as well as the working artists,” Elzer said.
Assistant Director of Career Services and advisor to UIndy Circle K, Libby Davis said that it was a good thing to see students volunteer and give back to the community. Davis also said that through attending the Grace of Wings event at the airport and helping those in need, she realized how great the need for service and volunteer work is in our the community. Students who volunteered said that being involved in service projects and donating time to a good cause is encouraging. Freshman Brittany Teipen who assisted with food distribution with Circle K at event at the airport was inspired by her experience.
“Seeing all these people here volunteering does give me inspiration to help others,” Teipen said.
This is just one of many events service events coordinated throughout the school year.
Upcoming volunteering opportunities include visits to animal shelters and homeless shelters.
Circle K meets in Mondays at 9 p.m. in Schwitzer Student Center room 010. Meetings are open to all students.
