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Contact:
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Contact: Dathan Weems, 265-8140
Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 277-5915 |
November 12, 2001
UNM STUDENTS ORGANIZE MAJOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT
Since May, University of New Mexico students have vigilantly developed plans
for a major community service event set for Saturday, April 6, 2002.
Called "The Spring Storm," the event will build on the reinvigorated
spirit of community that resulted from Sept. 11. Volunteer students, staff,
faculty, alumni, prospective students and their families will be assigned projects
ranging from painting and landscaping to elderly visitation and youth education.
Organized by the Community Experience, a chartered student organization created
by UNM School of Law student Dathan Weems of Farmington, NM, the "Spring
Storm" is expected to have "thousands of people from UNM doing hundreds
of projects throughout the community," Weems says.
"There is sweeping interest among the University population to participate
in community service," he says. "However, many people are unsure how
to get involved or concerned about making a recurring commitment that they cannot
keep. A large-scale, one-day event provides an opportunity to make an immediate
impact."
Organizers are contacting non-profit agencies to get guidance in identifying
beneficial projects. Criteria include the likelihood of completion in one day,
impact, cost and need.
The Spring Storm will begin with a "Rise and Shine Breakfast" and
end with a "Celebration Barbeque" at the South Campus Athletic Facilities.
Both events will have free food and entertainment and information booths for
local non-profit agencies and Spring Storm sponsors.
New Mexico law prohibits the use of University funds on charitable events.
The Spring Storm will depend on contributions from the community for its success.
Funds donated will be used primarily on materials for the projects, marketing
and food for the volunteers. All contributions are tax-deductible through the
UNM Foundation.
Visit the Spring Storm website to suggest a project, sign up as a volunteer
or make a contribution, http://springstorm.unm.edu.
For more information, call Dathan Weems, 265-8140.
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The University
of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981