PFW looks to reach out with a helping hand on National Day of Service

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to take part in Purdue University Fort Wayne’s first Day of Service event on Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Federally recognized since 2009, the National Day of Service and Remembrance happens on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States. Every Sept. 11, citizens are encouraged to take part in charitable service to transform the anniversary from a day of tragedy into a day of doing something good, always remembering and honoring those who were lost.

It’s estimated that more than 30 million Americans participate annually. For the first time on Thursday, this will include members of PFW’s campus community as part of an official event. Abbey Wang, assistant director of Student Leadership and Student Government Association, is organizing the activities, which will start on the Science Mall.

“We’re hoping it’s a little easier to encourage everyone to come out and do community service when they don’t have to take up the whole day, get on a bus, and go somewhere,” Wang said. “Plus, they’ll be able to physically see the impact they’ve had while walking around campus.”

Though registration is not required, Wang encourages volunteers to sign up in advance so she can plan accordingly. She’s expecting at least 50 participants, including members of the PFW women’s basketball team.

With help from various offices, Wang has identified four projects. They include stocking, tearing down boxes, and helping out at the FRIENDS of the University Pantry location in Walb Student Union; picking up trash around the Allen County Purdue Extension Office; removing weeds and marking invasive plants near the Environmental Resources Center for later removal; and using kayaks to clean up along the banks of the St. Joseph River. Various employees will provide guidance at each station.

Wang has other options if more people participate but wants to keep things low-key to start.

“I think this has the potential to be a pretty successful event,” Wang said. “I hope and foresee this becoming a tradition that we do every year.”

The goal is to finish the projects by 3:15 p.m. before returning to the Science Mall to report on accomplishments and enjoy ice cream.