FARMINGTON – Students from the University of Maine at Farmington rolled up their sleeves and got to work today, in the second of three weekends of community service.
The program began in 2002 with a “Day of Service” event where students would pitch in with volunteer work. The event was so popular that UMF now holds a “Month of Service.” The first day was Sept. 13, and the final day will be held on Sept. 27.
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“The UMF experience takes our students outside the classroom and beyond themselves,” said UMF President Theodora J. Kalikow, in a prepared statement. “By devoting time to help others, our students gain confidence, enrich their own lives and become contributing members of the community.”
UMF expects that 150 students will participate this year, providing 450 hours of community service. Activities include painting fences and buildings at Hippach Field, Wilton Food Closet and Titcomb Mountain, painting a map of the United States at the Academy Hill School’s playground and helping out at the United Way and Western Maine Community Action offices. Students are, when necessary, shuttled to their jobs by UMF’s maroon vans.
The additional days of service allow more students greater flexibility in choosing when to help out, and let UMF prepare more diverse volunteer opportunities across a wider region.
Next week, students can help out at the Farmington Public Library, Franklin County Animal Shelter, SAVES, the Farmington Baptist Church, Healthy Community Coalition, the Ski Museum of Maine and other organizations around the county.
The majority of the events, with the exception of the visit to the Pierce House in downtown Farmington, are held from 9 a.m. to noon.
UMF’s annual community service event is coordinated by the University’s Center for Student Involvement and Student Life Department.
