Saxon men’s basketball team participates in day of service
ALFRED, NY – Members of the Alfred University men's basketball team were among a group of more than 500 students and volunteers from AU and two other area colleges that participated in Make A Difference Day last Saturday, Oct. 27.
Make A Difference Day featured students and volunteers from Alfred University, SUNY Alfred and Houghton College performing community service projects throughout Allegany County. The AU men's basketball team, like all AU athletic teams, participates in various community service initiatives throughout the year.
This marks the second year Alfred University has participated in Make A Difference Day. AU, SUNY Alfred and Houghton College have been participating for two years, and last week's event drew approximately 100 more volunteers than last year's.
This year, the service day was focused on organizations that needed people power to get "big" jobs completed. Some sites had upwards of 50 volunteers. Students performed at various locations from the very north side of Allegany County to the far south side, including Letchworth State Park, Cuba Memorial Hospital, various local churches, veteran associations, Allegany ARC, public libraries, Hart Comfort House, and many other non-profits.
Jessica Jennings, service learning coordinator for Alfred University commented, "Make a Difference Day provided a great opportunity for our students and staff to volunteer and give back while also connecting and getting to know people in the local community...it is fantastic to see young adults giving their time to volunteer when there are so many other things they could be doing."
Make a difference Day, the largest national day of community service, has been impacting lives for more than 20 years. Millions of people around the world unite to volunteer their time and energy for those around them. USA Weekend magazine and Points of Light, sponsors of Make a Difference Day, say "that regardless of age, location, or resources, we can accomplish amazing things when we take on the problems we see in our community."