About 200 students and faculty from Columbia College, Stephens College and the University of Missouri-Columbia came together Saturday to kick off National Volunteer Week by providing volunteer services to local nonprofit agencies. Among other activities, the volunteers painted, cleaned up camp sites, provided recreational fun for children with disabilities and helped to spruce up yards for the spring and summer. There is never enough money or manpower available to meet all the needs in our community.
Volunteers are our most precious assets.
The Days of Caring originated as a result of the Great Flood of 1993. Dan Hagen, an MU student, created the volunteer activity to provide flood-recovery assistance. There are two Days of Caring held each year, Spring Student Day of Caring and the Fall Business Day of Caring. Volunteers are always needed in the Columbia area, Wharton said. It is a great way for people to give something back to the community, she said.