Local band Fender Benders entertained the crowd at Willow Park with classic rock 'n' roll as Utah State University students and community members organized into groups to perform service projects throughout Cache Valley Saturday afternoon.
The various service projects were part of "A Day of Sharing," an entire afternoon of community service organized by the Interfaith Service Club at USU, which tries to perform one service project a month. Other university organizations, like the Ambassadors and Operation Smile, assisted in planning and implementing the event.
The activities began at 9 a.m. with a 5K run benefiting Operation Smile. After the runners had finished the race, City Council member Tami Pyfer welcomed those in attendance. She thanked everyone for the service about to be rendered.
Following Pyfer's remarks, Lee Cannon sang the national anthem. The crowd then arranged into groups and served throughout the community.
One group cleaned up highways around Logan. Another went to Sunshine Terrace to make crafts and perform a musical program for the residents. Others helped the Fire Department paint fire hydrants and curbs. There were several groups helping around the community.
Local businesses and non-profit organizations set up booths in the park, advertising their services to those in attendance. Some of the businesses and organizations included the Herald Journal, Girl Scouts of Utah, Logan Crystal Inn and Planned Parenthood. The Cache 211 Volunteer Center also had a booth with information on how to serve in the valley.
Several service projects were stationed at the park. These included writing letters to soldiers overseas, painting Happy Factory Toys, tying quilts and a reading corner where people could read to little children and donate books.
Many USU students tied several full size quilts and baby blankets.
"I like quilting and I knew they needed help," Amelia Matthews, a freshman majoring in history, said.
Performers from around the valley entertained those who served at the park. The performers included The Fender Benders, FOCUS, USU Swing Club, Fay Belnap, Sarah Cox, Emily Sara and the 4H Dancers.
Casey Bullock, president of the Ambassadors, said the event was a great opportunity for students to serve in the community.
"I think it is important to support the community because the community supports the college," said Bullock, a senior studying leadership/management.
-abean@cc.usu.edu
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