SUNY Delhi Students Seek Community Service Projects

Event Marks 10th Anniversary of O'Connor Center for Community Service

DELHI, NY (10/01/2009)(readMedia)-- The O'Connor Center for Community Service is once again offering to connect SUNY Delhi students with local organizations that need help with projects on Community Service Day Saturday, October 17, 2009.

"This year marks the 10th consecutive year we have designated a campus-wide Community Service Day, and we are hoping to continue to break records with the number of agencies and organizations we serve," said Elizabeth Sova, Coordinator of the O'Connor Center. "Please let us know how we can help your organization."

The O'Connor Center is seeking non-profit agencies and organizations in the area needing assistance. Student volunteers are available between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on October 17, but special arrangements can be made for earlier or later hours.

"We consider service to the community to include visiting with people or any other service-type work, such as raking leaves, planting gardens, building stone walls and painting buildings, as we have done in previous years," Sova explained.

Non-profit organizations or agencies that need assistance from O'Connor Center volunteers should determine the number of workers needed for the project, the number of hours it will take, and the nature of the work. Organizations should indicate whether adequate supervision and/or lunch can be provided, and if special equipment is required for the job. The deadline for notification is October 5 in order for proper coordination to be made. To serve as a host organization for students who wish to do volunteer work, please contact the O'Connor Center for Community Service (607) 746-4781 or by email to OCCS@delhi.edu .

The O'Connor Center for Community Service began in 1999 with grant support from the O'Connor Foundation and other local organizations. The Center matches individual students, clubs, classes, and faculty and staff volunteers with non-profit agencies and organizations within the greater Delhi community that need a helping hand. It serves as a clearinghouse for these community organizations, and facilitates volunteerism by arranging for transportation, orientation and training, and feedback on completed community service projects. The O'Connor Center has been named to the President's National Honor Roll for Community Service for the last three years. Delhi students complete over 10,000 hours of service annually with 72% involved in some type of service activity through clubs and organizations.

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