Nearly 500 students from the University of Georgia participated in Dawg Day of Service on September 13, volunteering with 23 community partner organizations and campus sites across Athens. The event is recognized as the largest day of student community service in the area.
Serve UGA, a student-run group advised by the Division of Student Affairs’ department of Engagement, Leadership, and Service, organizes Dawg Day of Service each year. The organization also collaborates with 12 local groups to host regular service days throughout the academic year.
Talia Swanson, a second-year Master of Public Health student and Serve UGA ambassador, has been involved with Dawg Day of Service for three years. Swanson said, “It really set the trajectory of me seeking out other civic engagement events and even partly influenced my career aspirations. It will always be that piece of Athens and UGA that made me feel like I had the power to make a change or contribute to things that are even greater than myself.”
This year, Swanson worked with the Athens Area Homeless Shelter. She commented on her experience: “By supporting entire families through difficult times, the shelter not only provides immediate relief but also helps build stronger, healthier futures for both children and the community as a whole.”
Dawg Day of Service allows students to connect with their peers while engaging in community service activities at various locations such as food pantries, gardens, thrift stores, animal rescues, and more. Students served at sites including Athens Area Homeless Shelter, Athens Area Humane Society, Athens Community Council on Aging, several school gardens, Brooklyn Cemetery, Family Promise of Athens, Project Safe Thrift Store, Sweet Olive Farm and Animal Rescue, UGA Trial Gardens and others.
Serve UGA hosts over 40 service events each semester for students interested in ongoing volunteer opportunities. More information can be found at https://els.uga.edu/serveuga/.
