At 8 a.m. on Aug. 26, students gathered at the east lawn of the Memorial Union at Washburn University to participate in the Little Event.

The Little Event was a volunteer opportunity organized by Leah Coons of SAGL to connect students with community organizations in an effort to help improve the community. The event was lead by student leaders and received 80 percent attendance with 70 percent of those attending being freshman.

“Giving back to the community is something to strive for,” said Leah Coons, senior majoring in mass media at Washburn University. “Giving to the community gives back to us.”

As her capstone leadership project, Leah Coons took the initiative to develop first Washburn service opportunity of the year – modeling after the Big Event, a service opportunity offered to students in the spring. She promoted the event through e-mails, by passing out fliers at Wu-Fest and talking to student organizations.

“I got to plan and work with the community on how Washburn could help with its needs,” said Coons. “This opportunity gives students the chance to have an impact.”

Eight organizations participated in the event. They were Keep America Beautiful, the American Red Cross, Harvesters, YWCA, KVC Behavioral Health, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, Boys and Girls Club of Topeka Montara Unit and Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Students were assigned to different  organizations based off of  the top three preferences made while signing up.

“I was able to gain insight,” said Kendra Bolejack, freshman majoring in biology at Washburn University. “I learned about human struggles and how I can help.”

Washburn’s next volunteer opportunity will be the Big Event in the spring. Interested students should contact the WSGA or Erasmo Nunez at [email protected].

“After experiencing the Little Event, I can’t wait for the Big Event,” said Bolejack. “Now I have come to understand how having an impact on my community touches my heart.”