What to Expect?

If you drive, please park in the Marsteller Street Parking Garage. All volunteers will meet at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church (corner of State and Marstellar, across from Stewart Center) on Saturday, November 5th, 2011. Registration will open at 7:30 am that morning and will close promptly at 8:15 am. Volunteers will be divided into service teams of 8-10 people (depending on space availability -- you can choose your group!)

Breakfast food will be served and entertainment provided during the registration.

After registration has closed, service teams will receive the day's instructions and their supplies and will then head out at 8:30 am.

Service teams will receive directions to several homes where they will interact with residents and help winterize homes. After a morning of service everyone is invited to Wesley Foundation (435 W. State St., one short block east of St. Tom's, at the corner of State and Sheetz) around noon to return supplies and to enjoy lunch. Lunch (free to all volunteers) will be served from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.

Supplies are provided, however, it would be wise to bring your own work gloves and any winterizing equipment you have (rakes, tarps, bush trimmers, ladders).

Be sure to dress for the weather!

Detailed Schedule

7:30 am Registration/Check-in and breakfast starts at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church (corner of State and Marsteller).

8:15 am Directions and Send-off at Saint Thom's

8:30 am Pick up supplies at the Wesley Foundation (Directions: one short block east of St. Tom's with the red doors)

8:30 am to 8:45 am Head to residents' homes!

8:45 am to 12:00 pm Winterize residents' homes!

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Lunch is served in the basement of the Wesley Foundation (return supplies).

History

For many years, a high school in Greenwood, Indiana has sponsored a similar project. In the Fall of 2002, a Purdue freshmen named Lauren brought the idea to West Lafayette. As an active member of Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry, Lauren inspired her new community to lead this project.

The first year, in 2002, saw thirty volunteers serve ten homes. Growing every year, by 2005 we had 120 students serving 40 homes. In 2007 we had 234 volunteers serving more than 90 homes. In 2008 and 2009 we held steady both years at approximately 325 volunteers and just over 100 homes. In 2010, we had 481 volunteers serving 133 homes! In 2009 we had 324 volunteers. In 2011 we had 556 volunteers service 185 homes.

Many student groups have co-sponsored this activity with Wesley at times in the last six years, including: Baptist Foundation, Campus House, Intervarsity Undergrads, Animal Science Graduate Students, and Boiler Volunteer Network. Student participants come by themselves, with groups of friends, and also through their student groups. Groups who served in 2010 include: