More than 600 UT students participate in BIG Event

It may not fee like spring outside but more than 600 University of Toledo students participated in the BIG Event.  Students headed out into the neighborhoods surrounding the UT campus to do a little spring cleaning for neighbors.

Joshua Beekman is the director of BIG Event.  They expected to see 400 students Saturday morning for community cleanup.  To his surprise an additional 200 students arrived ready to help.  “We’re students were here to give back to the community that supports us, this is where we live and learn.” 

One student says “it was chaos they totally weren’t prepared for all the ones who showed up last minute.”  Once the 600 plus students branched out into the neighborhoods surrounding campus, there was nothing but teamwork.  Elizabeth Szczechowiak says the extra help was it was just what she needed.  She has trouble doing odd work around the house.  “No, I can’t I am getting too old to be able to do anything.”  she was nothing but smiles watching the back-breaking work be done, free of charge.

Neighbor Tracey DeBow also received a little help.  “I signed up cause I could use the extra help and they’re really helping so I appreciate it.”  DeBow even purchased tools for the volunteers to clean with, not knowing they came ready to work with their own.  Block by block they stripped weathered wood and repainted old siding.  All the while rolling out a better looking Toledo.

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Tags: Big Event, Students Participate   Posted in Learning Guide