Georgia Southern community lends hand during day of service in Savannah, Hinesville

October 8, 2019

On Oct. 5, 171 students, faculty, staff and alumni of Georgia Southern University gathered for a day of volunteering in the Savannah and Hinesville communities during Treasure Savannah, an annual day of service sponsored by the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement. 

For Fall 2019, each volunteer project corresponded with one of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which include no poverty, zero hunger, and sustainable cities and communities, among others. 

“Treasure Savannah is a great way for students, faculty, staff and alumni to give back to the Savannah and Hinesville communities,” said Ben Phillips, coordinator of leadership development on the Armstrong Campus. “Treasure Savannah participants are able to get a small glimpse into the community engagement efforts that take place at Georgia Southern year-round. The Office of Leadership and Community Engagement is proud to continue the tradition of leadership and service at Georgia Southern University.”

Sophomore Jillian Scelsi, who volunteered at Union Mission in Savannah, helped with yard work so residents could enjoy an outdoor space. She said the volunteer work was a unique experience.

“My favorite part about Treasure Savannah was getting to go out into the community and experience something we might not get to do on a regular basis,” she said. “Union Mission provides a place where men who are homeless are able to come for the night and have a place to rest their heads. By volunteering just a few hours, we as a team were able to help make a small difference in the lives of the workers and residents of Union Mission.”  

Savannah Old Town Trolley provided transportation to the Savannah sites, which included Keep Savannah Beautiful, Salvation Army, Hoofs4Healing and Habitat for Humanity. The Hinesville volunteer sites were Liberty Humane Shelter, Keeping Liberty Beautiful, Hinesville Downtown Development Authority, Liberty County Manna House and the Liberty County YMCA. 

“I think it is crucial for us to give back to the community that gives us so much,” sophomore Rachel Vaughn said. “I think it is important to volunteer because it allows us to be a part of something that is bigger than ourselves.”

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving nearly 26,500 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, 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.