Many Hands Make Light Work

Service Saturdays at MSU are a fantastic way to get involved, give back and find new friends. Whether you’re a freshman or an upperclassman, there’s a fun project for everyone, from Adopt A Sox to Habitat for Humanity.

“[Service Saturdays] are the perfect opportunity to give back, and with transportation and activities preorganized, it is accessible and easy for students to be a part of,” said Raye Myers, a previous service leader.

Convocation Service Saturday on Aug. 29, the first of the semester, consisted of eight different non-profit projects and about 90 student volunteers. Heidi Worley, a community engagement program leader, said that typically the events have around 190 volunteers. However, due to safety precautions as a result of COVID-19, the group has had to limit the number of participants. To keep groups small at the volunteer sites, students are required to RSVP beforehand. According to Worley, the atmosphere of the Service Saturdays remains the same despite COVID-19. “The sense of excitement and the sense of community that the students had [has not changed],” Worley said.

Of the eight service projects in the first Service Saturday, students could make newspaper bags with Valley of the Flowers or help the Gallatin Valley Food Bank make emergency bags for drive-through shoppers. Wren Killian, the founder of Valley of the Flowers, said that her favorite part is, “meeting enthusiastic students that are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to make a difference in [the] community.” Killian’s project revolves around sustainability and community as the group works toward a more eco-friendly Bozeman.

“The [students] always show up with a curiosity to engage with the work we do,” said Dara Fedrow, the volunteer coordinator at Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Volunteers at the food bank help in the garden, repackage bulk items and help organize the store to make it more accessible for customers. “It’s a great way to meet new people and give back to the community of Bozeman,” Worley said.  The non-profit organizations are grateful for any and all help that can be offered. 

The next Service Saturday is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, and will include Habitat for Humanity, Gallatin Valley Food Bank, Bridger Care and Adopt A Sox. All information about the event can be found on the Office of Student Engagement section of MSU’s website. Make sure to RSVP at https://www.montana.edu/engagement/events-programs/service-saturdays/index.html. Students can also apply to lead a service group through the website.