Pitt to Hold First Make-a-Difference Day Oct. 18

PITTSBURGH-More than 2,000 University of Pittsburgh students, with support from faculty and staff, will roll up their sleeves to participate in Pitt's first Make-a-Difference Day Oct. 18. The volunteers will assist with various community-service projects in Oakland and the surrounding communities.

Pitt Student Government Board is sponsoring the event with support from the Division of Student Affairs. Pitt Make-a-Difference Day, part of a national effort, provides an opportunity for Pitt students to further their roles as leaders in campuswide volunteerism and service. Organizers hope to foster collaboration across student organizations, unify the Oakland campus, and inspire Pitt Pride.

Anyone interested in participating can register from 8 to 8:30 a.m. at the William Pitt Union, 3959 Fifth Ave., Oakland. After brief remarks by student leaders, volunteers will catch one of the 40 buses that will take them to various Pittsburgh locations where they will complete such projects as cleaning up a park or working at local YMCA's, youth centers, and community-outreach centers.

"The event is designed to increase student activism and cooperation among student groups," said Ryan Haddad, Pitt student cocoordinator for the event. Amanda Reed, fellow Pitt student and cocoordinator, added, "We want students to get out in the community, and by doing this, we hope Pitt students will feel a sense of pride and togetherness at being part of a larger community.

For more information, contact Rachel Doran at 610-220-6829 or red12@pitt.edu.

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10/16/08/amm