Service Lately

Spring semester service projects are in full bloom. Dozens of opportunities have kept the Spirits busy and made a big impact around campus and the Austin community.  Early in the semester Spirits joined the American Red Cross in the East Mall for the spring blood drive. UT students were excited to donate, so much so that the first day alone the Red Cross surpassed their goal with thirty-one donations saving ninety plus lives. Two young ladies, Spring ’11 weenie, Lauren Gray and Spring ’12 weenie, Jordan Kohler were enthusiastic about donating. 

            “I think giving blood is one of the easiest ways to give back to the community. Just by giving an hour of your time, you can help save three lives. I loved that I got to be with fellow Spirits while donating, especially Jordan! It was her first time, and that made it extra special,” Lauren said. 

            Another exciting happening occurred on the opposite side of the tower as Spirits handed about baked treats in the West Mall for Make a Difference Monday. Fall ’11 weenie, Nicole Martinez enjoyed earning her service hours in such a hands on way.         

            “I love the smiles people can’t help but show when they realize they’re getting a little gift for free just because its a Monday,” Nicole said. 

            Make A Difference Monday takes place one Monday every month, and during the month of April, Spirits were handing out Easter candy. 

            Finally, Spirits had an exciting opportunity when Make-A-Wish, along with spring ’09 weenie, Emily Slattery, joined them at their weekly meeting for a presentation. The purpose was to link Spirits and Make-A-Wish more closely and see what sorts of impact their fundraising really makes.   

            “It was really a game-changer to see Make-A-Wish make the effort to show us how much we really do for them. It makes giving your time and raising funds so much easier when the impact you've made is clearly visible and moreover, close to home,” Fall ’10 weenie and Spirit Haunt, Dionne Dias said. 

            Make-A-Wish screened a video of a family who was granted a wish of a trip to Hawaii, talked about ways Spirits could get more involved by attending wish granting parties, and finally presented the $17,600 check for Make-A-Wish that Spirits raised from last year’s Band Jam.