For some students and alumni, making bandanas for dogs at OC Animal Care is a better use of a Sunday morning than sleeping in.

Several students sat in groups of three to four, cutting strips of fabric and writing phrases on them such as “Adopt Me” for homeless dogs at the animal shelter.

“I’m here to give back and help out the dogs that need a home,” said Alberto M. Lacayo-Herrera, a 2004 alumnus.

This is all part of the first Chapman Day of Service, hosted by Student Civic Engagement, which began around 9 a.m. yesterday as a kick off to Chapman’s Give A Little Bit campaign.

More than a hundred volunteers headed to five off-campus sites including: Casa Teresa, Mary’s Kitchen, YMCA of Orange, Pretend City Children’s Museum, and the Santa Ana Youth Expo. Many also stayed on campus to do projects, like making bandanas.

“Service to the community is a responsibility we all have,” said Chris Hutchison, associate director of Student and Campus Life.

Cherry On Top, Belshire Environmental Services, Inc., Sodexo and Watson Drug and Soda Fountain were a few of the event’s sponsors.

Chapman’s past Make a Difference Days were organized similarly to the Day of Service, but did not involve as many students, said Justin Koppelman, program coordinator for Student Civic Engagement.

This year the program is pushing short-term activities to create a foundation for students to continue volunteering beyond one-day events, Koppelman said.

The Give A Little Bit campaign is a two-year service commitment by Chapman to give 150,000 hours of community service to Orange County in celebration of Chapman’s 150th anniversary in 2011, according to the university’s Web site.

President Jim Doti said that he thinks Chapman can exceed the 150,000 hour goal at the Day of Service opening ceremony.

Mayor of Orange Carolyn Cavecche thanked Chapman and said later that service is needed now more than ever because of the economy.

The event ended at 12:30 p.m. with a volunteer fair where students could talk with representatives from community agencies and have lunch provided by Sodexo.

Senior Marisa Conner, service program assistant, said some students remain in a college bubble.

“As college students, it is our civic duty to use our knowledge and expertise to go and help our community,” she said.


Contact this reporter: kerrianne.rivas@thepantheronline.com