Featured Story - February 2003

A&M University, the Florida State University Center for Civic Education and Service and Tallahassee Community College. Phillips said the service day helped volunteers learn more about local charitable efforts. "They really have an opportunity to be exposed to nonprofit agencies," she said. "And they get to learn more about what they do and their mission and the people they work with." Only a couple of outdoor events were canceled because of the rain. Volunteers later reflected on their service during a lunch program at the Senior Citizens Center on North Monroe Street, where they made posters that will be given to agencies they helped. The volunteer effort is part of a program administered by the Points of Light Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service. This year, volunteers were able to donate their service in the names of victims of the September 2001 terrorist attacks. The volunteer projects included office work at the Family Tree, tutoring at Wesson Elementary School and cleaning at The Shelter, the Ronald McDonald House and the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center. About 15 students helped sort an estimated 13,000 pounds of health and beauty products at the Second Harvest of the Big Bend warehouse. Sal Larena, assistant warehouse manager, was happy to have the help. "It's a blessing for us," he said. "During the week, we don't have time to do this kind of stuff. So when we get volunteers out here, we really appreciate it." Javon Legons, a freshman at Florida State University, has volunteered for Second Harvest several times. Said Legons: "I just wanted to help out."