In a time crunch and looking for a way to get involved at Grand Valley State University? Look no further than the Community Service Learning Center, which functions as a liaison for students, faculty and staff looking to get involved in the community. The center serves as a clearinghouse for all things related to service, volunteerism, civic engagement and service learning.

The CSLC supports several local United Way centers through the GVSU United Way Campaign, which includes numerous programs, events, and initiatives, including the GVSU United Way Fundraising Campaign, the Heart of West Michigan United Way Day of Caring, School of Hope’s Stuff the Bus and more.
GVSU and CSLC are partnering with the Heart of West Michigan United Way to support their Schools of Hope program and the Stuff the Bus campaign.
Stuff the Bus works to ensure that students in Kent County and surrounding areas have an adequate learning environment and have the appropriate tools to help them learn. Starting today, the program will run through Sept. 12 and supports the Schools of Hope program by collecting and donating classroom supplies and funds to purchase such supplies and give them to students who may not have access to them otherwise.

“We’re really hoping students will come out and donate supplies or raise funds,” said Jeffrey Mutch, coordinator for the CSLC.
GVSU has multiple collection sites on both the Allendale and Pew campuses. Drop-off sites include the Kirkhof Center, Facilities Services, Zumberge Library, the Padnos College of Engineering, the DeVos Center Bookstore, Eberhard Center and the Bicycle Factory.

The Heart of West Michigan United Way will bring a school bus to participation locations to collect donated items. Some of the supplies suggested for donations include: lined paper, pencils, colored pencils, erasers, crayons, glue sticks, markers, blue and black pens, pocket folders, stickers and three-ring binders.
The CSLC hosts events such as the Nonprofit Volunteer and Internship Fair, which is a chance for students to connect with over 50 agencies offering volunteer and/or internship opportunities in the Grand Rapids area. The event will take place on Sept. 11 in Henry Hall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on GVSU’s Allendale campus.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to come out and just by learning about nonprofit organizations, it’s a great way to learn about issues in the community,” Mutch said.

Make a Difference Day might be the biggest event hosted by the CSLC, he said, insofar that around 350 students head to over 20 different locations around Grand Rapids to help out the community.

“It’s a great event that serves as an entry way for students looking to get involved in the community,” Mutch said. “(Also) food, t-shirts and transportation will be provided!”
Make a Difference Day is on Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center. Students can register at http://www.gvsu.edu/service/madd-index.htm.

By visiting the CSLC website at www.gvsu.edu/service, students can learn how to get involved and find event-specific volunteer opportunities, ongoing volunteer opportunities, volunteer service trips, etc. The CSLC is located within the Office of Student Life in the Kirkhof Center building on the Allendale Campus and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information contact the CSLC directly at (616) 331-2468 or [email protected].

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