On Sept. 13, the University of Georgia celebrated Dawg Day of Service, the largest day of student community service in Athens. 488 students volunteered with 23 community partner organizations and campus sites including local gardens, food and clothing pantries, thrift stores and animal rescues.

Serve UGA, a student-run organization advised by the Division of Student Affairs’ department of Engagement, Leadership, and Service, plans the annual Dawg Day of Service and partners with 12 local organizations to host regular days of service throughout the year.

Talia Swanson, a second-year Master of Public Health student, has been a Serve UGA ambassador for two years and has participated in Dawg Day of Service for three years.

“It really set the trajectory of me seeking out other civic engagement events and even partly influenced my career aspirations,” Swanson said. “It will always be that piece of Athens and UGA that made me feel like I had the power to make a change or contribute to things that are even greater than myself.”

This year, Swanson was assigned to work with the Athens Area Homeless Shelter, which serves dozens of families in the Athens community. Swanson felt compelled by the important work done by the shelter.

“By supporting entire families through difficult times, the shelter not only provides immediate relief but also helps build stronger, healthier futures for both children and the community as a whole,” she said.

Dawg Day of Service is a unique way for UGA students to bridge the gap between campus and the greater Athens community. Students can connect with their peers while putting their values into practice through community service.

This year, students served at the following community and campus sites: Athens Area Homeless Shelter, Athens Area Humane Society, Athens Community Council on Aging, Athens Land Trust, Barrow Elementary School Garden, Brightpaths, Brooklyn Cemetery, Burks Elementary School Garden, CHaRM, City of Refuge, Family Promise of Athens, Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery, J. J. Harris Elementary School Garden, Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful, Keep Oconee County Beautiful, Oconee Forest Park, SGA Professional Clothing Closet, Project Safe Thrift Store, Student Care and Outreach Food Pantry, Sweet Olive Farm and Animal Rescue, UGA Trial Gardens, Vincent’s Place Sanctuary, and Wesley Woods of Athens.

For students interested in getting involved with Serve UGA, the organization hosts more than 40 service events each semester. More information is available at https://els.uga.edu/serveuga/.