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Treasure Savannah: Georgia Southern gives back to the community

On Saturday, nearly 200 Georgia Southern University students, faculty and staff arrived on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah to volunteer for Treasure Savannah, a biannual day of service.

Following an early-morning welcome from University Vice President for Armstrong and Liberty Campus Operations Christopher Curtis, Ph.D., volunteers boarded buses departing to 13 service sites throughout Savannah and Hinesville, including Skidaway Island State Park, Keep Savannah Beautiful, Hoofs 4 Healing, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Georgia Regional Hospital, Second Harvest and Liberty County’s Humane Shelter and Manna House.

“I am all about community service and giving back,” said Brooke Okorley, a junior in the respiratory therapy program. “I think it is important for the campuses to participate because it allows students to get out of the small college world and see that there is joy in giving back to the community.”

Since Treasure Savannah’s inception seven years ago, the Armstrong and Liberty Campus communities have contributed more than 12,000 hours of service to various area nonprofits.

Jena Murph, a first-year student studying biology, served as a site leader for Keep Savannah Beautiful. The impact of the new experience was particularly fulfilling, she said, after a Savannah resident thanked the students for making him smile that morning.

“We walked up and down 35th street and picked up trash around people’s homes and sidewalks,” she said. “I felt especially elated when my group and I saw the impact that we were making on a local neighborhood. It is also so comforting to know that I am surrounded by fellow students who are as passionate about helping others as I am.”

First-year psychology major Megan Evans spent the morning organizing a supply closet, sorting old photos and painting banners for a treatment center at Georgia Regional Hospital.

“I think it is important that our campuses participate in this day of volunteering because it is a great way to give back to the community around us,” noted Evans. “It also helps students get involved and brings students closer, creating new friendships.”

To view Treasure Savannah photos visit: http://photos.armstrong.edu/Georgia-Southern-University-2018/Community-Outreach/2018-Treasure-Savannah-Spring/i-ZGVx37z/A.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research institution founded in 1906, offers 142 degree programs serving more than 27,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Savannah, Statesboro, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

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