MUNCIE, Ind. — Every year on the first Saturday of November, Student Volunteer Services (SVS) at Ball State University partners up with Lifestream.
Lifestream is a nationally accredited, award-winning non-profit that offers multiple services to help people at risk of losing their independence and communities in Indiana.
For the annual Fall Leaf Raking event to rake the yards of individuals with disabilities and the elderly in the community. Most of these individuals are unable to maintain their yards and are very thankful for these students who are willing to help.
Dedee Walker, a Muncie homeowner, states how appreciative she is of these students.
“It's good to see that students are volunteering their time to do stuff like this, I mean, we really appreciate this, my mom wouldn't be able to get out here and do it, and I'm busy, so I wouldn't be able to do it . . .,” Walker said.
There were 57 students who signed up throughout four shifts, including the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, sending out over 20 members.
Students were assigned a certain route of houses that were signed up to have their yards raked. Transportation was provided for the students.
“We ultimately hope that it's a lasting impact that students will see the importance and value of community of helping those around them, and that they can take that experience and bring it into their future into the communities that they are involved in, and for the people that we are serving our hope is that they feel the impact and cared for by the university and our partners, that we can be people that they trust and rely on,” Assistant director of SVS Elijah Arns said.
This event is a great way for Ball State students to get involved and make connections in the community while getting service hours and leaving an impact.
“The seamlessly simple task of leaf raking will help our seniors prevent falls, it could save a broken bone, a slip, a bump on the head, or a trip to the emergency room,” Aura Bray, Volunteer Services Administrator for Life Stream Service Inc., said. “The volunteers that are out here today are helping with fall prevention, and that is something we are very passionate about.”
Contact Lauren Bell with comments at lauren.bell@bsu.edu
