WKU kicks off volunteer week with dogs

Jean Secrest, of Bowling Green is the board of director for the Humane Society. Secrest brought down a few of the dogs from the Humane Society for National Volunteer week. Students walk by petting the dogs, making toys for the dogs out of shirts, and hearing about other upcoming events throughout the week.

Andrew Critchelow

Students were encouraged to pet dogs from the Warren County Humane Society Monday as part the event “Pet a Pup.” The event took place outside of Downing Student Union, where five dogs of various breeds and sizes roamed around on leashes, while students were encouraged to donate to the Warren County Humane Society.

The event also allowed students to make their own pet toys out of things such as socks, bags and t shirts. In addition to money donations, there was a box available for item donations such as newspapers, canned tuna and dish soap.

Amira Bryant, WKU graduate student and Student Activities intern, said having dogs on campus encourages students to take an interest in supporting the Humane Society and learn about other volunteer activities at WKU.

“We’re having kind of our kick-off, because we figured people like dogs and it’s easy to kind of talk to individuals or students walking around campus when you have some pups with you,” Bryant said.

The event kicked off WKU’s involvement in National Volunteer Week, a week in which students are encouraged to participate in various volunteer efforts around the community. Volunteer Week activities at WKU will be conducted by Student Activities. National Volunteer week was recognized via Presidential Proclamation in 1974, and has since been observed in mid-to-late April.

National Volunteer Week is observed in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., National Volunteer Week is organized by Points of Light, an international nonprofit organization that emphasizes in engaging in volunteer service.

According to the Points of Light website, National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for communities around the world to “recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice and support to causes they care about in their community.”

Josclynn Brandon, coordinator of Student Activities at WKU, said WKU’s presence in Bowling Green makes it essential for students to embrace volunteerism around the community.

“WKU is such a big component of the Bowling Green community, so any way that we can get involved with agencies or organizations outside of the campus is very beneficial,” Brandon said.

WKU is hosting volunteer events every day of this week, benefitting a variety of organizations and causes in the community. Today, there will be a Student United Way Bargain for a Benefit event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Downing Student Union and Centennial Mall, where gently used items will be accepted in exchange for service hours. The event will also take place tomorrow at the same time and location. Students will also travel to Lost River Cave via bus at 2 p.m. tomorrow for the event “One Bus, One Cause … for Lost River Cave.”

On Thursday, students will take part in the WKU Day of Service from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Jones Jagger Hall. That same night, a private Volunteer Appreciation Banquet will be held at 5 p.m.

The Volunteer Week events will close out on Friday with the International Center of Kentucky Clean Up happening at the International Center in Bowling Green from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Brandon said volunteerism is part of the spirit of WKU.

“I just think that embedded in WKU’s mission as an institution, and even our creed, is about being a good citizen and giving back to others,” Brandon said. “I just think that any way that we can get students and WKU community involved in service is pretty important and impactful.”

Reporter Andrew Critchelow can be reached at 270-745-6288 and [email protected].