SRU and BC3 students come together for unique community service event

Feb. 20, 2019

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - When noted torch singer Dinah Washington recorded "What A Difference a Day Makes" in 1959, it's a safe assumption that a day-long volunteer crawl was not on her mind. But 60 years later, Washington's well-known song could certainly serve as the anthem for a joint community endeavor between students from Slippery Rock University and Butler County Community College.

For a 24-hour period, beginning at 5 p.m., Feb. 22, a group of 14 students - eight from SRU and six from BC3 - will come together to visit a trio of Butler County agencies and lend their hands to make the facilities a better place for those they serve.

"We want students to see just what can be done to make a difference in just one day," said Alice Del Vecchio, SRU assistant professor of interdisciplinary programs, who partnered with Karen Stubenbort, professor of social work at BC3, to coordinate the event.

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"We hope that by putting the two groups together that the BC3 students will get to know more about SRU, our nonprofit management major and consider pursuing their education (at SRU) after they earn their associate degree at BC3. It's also a great opportunity for fun and fellowship."

The group will begin the crawl at 6 p.m., Feb. 22 at Glade Run Lutheran Services in Zelienople where they will tour the facility, get an overview of the organization's services, paint the campus chapel and spend the night. Glade Run, which focuses on education, mental health, autism and unique therapeutic offerings, has a long tradition of linking faith and service. Last year, it provided services to more than 4,000 individuals in school, home and community settings.

The morning of Feb. 23, students will travel to the Grace Youth and Family Foundation's Net Outreach Center, a 10,000-square foot, four-story, youth and community outreach facility that offers programming for youths and their families. While there, the group will work with youth volunteers to remove existing flooring in preparation for future replacement.

Following a lunch break, the student group will make a final stop at the New Haven Court for Senior Citizens, a senior care facility in Butler where the group will engage in various social activities with residents.

Each student will rack up 16 service hours during the crawl for a total of more than 185 hours of service being provided in just one 24-hour period.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robb.king@sru.edu