UCA rallied student volunteers to take part in the yearly “The Big Event” program, with over 400 attendees at this year’s March 11 event.
The student-led program helps those in the Conway community with volunteer tasks through acts of service.
This year, they volunteered through organizations like The City of Hope Outreach, Children’s Advocacy Alliance and Community Connections.
President Houston Davis made an appearance at the event, alongside Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry, thanking the students for their hard work and help.
The Big Event was adopted by UCA in 2014 but has been practiced since the 1980s when Texas A&M started the program.
The organization has focused on outdoor projects only since COVID-19. They aid the community through yard work, small renovations and painting at no cost to the recipients.
Big Event Director GleeAnna Housely said giving back is important in paying it forward.
“It’s our goal to give back to Conway because Conway gives us so much. We have a lot of alum that live in Conway, so we really just like to give back to them.
“I’ve seen a lot of awesome people being like, ‘Oh my gosh. I would not have been able to get all this work done without you guys,’” Housely said.
The event itself handed out drinks and snacks before sending volunteers to their sites.
Annabell Van Asche, a senior volunteer, enjoyed volunteering.
Students paint a wall at the Creative Institute of Central Arkansas at 1100 Oak St.
“It’s a lot of fun because a lot of people were going to individual’s homes and places where they might not be able to afford to get their yard done, or they might be older people and they can’t physically do it themselves. So it’s just really rewarding to help members of our community,” she said.
With a quick introduction and thanks, the organization sent the volunteers their separate ways to aid organizations and families of Conway.
Volunteer Coordinator for the Big Event Cori Cullen encouraged students to volunteer.
“I would just say that it’s been a rewarding experience to give back to the community. So I would recommend it just because of the feeling you get at the end of the day. Many of the residents in Conway attended UCA and they pour into us, so it’s a really great experience to get to pour back into them,” Cullen said.