Boiler Blast volunteers to thank local community
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University students will volunteer their time Saturday (April 1) in the Greater Lafayette area as part of the annual Boiler Blast.Boiler Blast is a year-end service project that lets Purdue students give back to the community through volunteering. This year, students will work with area residents to beautify local parks, plant trees and help neighborhood associations.
In 2004, the event's first year, approximately 600 students participated and even more students volunteered last year, said Kimberly Martin, assistant dean of students and director of Boiler Volunteer Network.
"This year promises to be the biggest turnout yet," Martin said. "The Boiler Blast offers students a chance to say thank you to the local community that has welcomed them so warmly."
Approximately 1,000 volunteers will gather at Purdue University's Memorial Mall around 8:30 a.m. Saturday. A band, Funky Brewsters, will play in the morning as the students gather and leave for the volunteer sites at 9:30 a.m. The volunteers will return to campus around 1 p.m. for lunch and more entertainment.
The Boiler Blast Committee, Purdue Student Government, Boiler Volunteer Network, Office of Engagement, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Sigma Chi fraternity, Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc., Funky Brewsters, University Bookstore, Wal-Mart, Pizza Express and Freckles Graphics Inc. are sponsoring this year's Boiler Blast.
Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Source: Kimberly Martin, assistant dean of students, (765) 496-2450, klmartin@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: Student volunteers will be working throughout the morning at a variety of locations including Tapawingo Park, Happy Hollow Park and other places in West Lafayette. All volunteers will be wearing bright yellow shirts.
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