Washburn Student’s will Provide Community Service in Topeka April 22 During the “Big Event”

      Topeka, Kan. - Washburn Student Government Association (WSGA) is hosting the annual “Big Event,” a community service project where Washburn students, faculty, staff and supporters of Washburn go out into the Topeka community to volunteer at different non-profit agency locations. Washburn University's 2023 “Big Event” will take place 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22. 

      WSGA created “The Big Event” in 2012 as a way to support Topeka. Through the event, students learn that extracurricular involvement is as important as academic excellence. Washburn students do their part to create a wholistic environment within the Topeka community and embody the Washburn motto – “Non Nobis Solum, Not for Ourselves Alone.”

      “We love and look forward to this event every year,” said Bella Wood, campus and community affairs director for WSGA. “We want to give back to those who support us, in all kinds of ways. Helping others is a great way to build community and foster connections, plus it's a fun time!”

      WSGA recruited 138 volunteers for the event this year. The volunteers represent different aspects of the Washburn community: departments, student organizations and fraternity/sorority life. 

      “The Topeka community is such a big reason of why we are still here today. It is an honor to give back to the community that has continuously given us so much,” said Shayden Hanes, WSGA president.

      This year WSGA is collaborating with the Capper Foundation, Kansas Children's Discovery Center, University Child Development Center, Topeka Rescue Mission, Omni Circle Group, Harvesters, Southwest YMCA and Shawnee County Recreation. Volunteer work will consist of outdoor clean up: raking leaves, shoveling mulch, mowing and pruning, painting, etc. There will be alternative options available for volunteers that need accessibility accommodations.

      For more information or questions about the Big Event email wsga.campus@washburn.edu.

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