The College of Social Sciences at the University of West Georgia continued its community outreach efforts recently, holding its annual Event for Impact: Serving Humanity and Doing Public Good Service Day.

A group of at least 90 volunteers – composed of students, faculty and staff – continued the now-six-year tradition of going out to serve several community-based projects and organizations.

One ever-popular stop for students – the Carroll County Animal Shelter – benefited from the event, as well as Impact West Georgia, Communities in Schools, the Veteran’s Memorial Park, Keep Carroll Beautiful, the Kindness Rocks Project and the Peace at Home Project.

“The COSS Service Day means many things to me, but I take pride in knowing that my department and my college are giving back,” said volunteer Shawn Isaacs, general manager of The WOLF Internet Radio and adjunct instructor. “Both as a current staff member and an alum, this helps fuel my passion for my job and my alma mater.”

Other projects served area veterans – Impact West Georgia, Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park and the Peace at Home Project. These projects are aimed at improving veterans’ quality of life and honoring the service of Carroll County military veterans.

“I volunteer because these small acts of kindness leave long-lasting effects on the future for those we serve in the community,” said student volunteer Valerie McPherson, who has volunteered for the last four years. “I think it’s important for everyone to volunteer at least once in their life and feel the hopefulness that it embeds in their heart and life.”

Holding this annual event allows COSS volunteers the ability to act on its motto of serving humanity and doing public good, while helping the community and building relationships.

Faith Payne, lecturer for the department of sociology, has volunteered for the last four years.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to connect to and support our community,” she said.

For those who couldn’t volunteer their time on the day of the event, there was another way to contribute. Donations of hygiene supplies were collected in the days leading up to the service day. Those supplies were put into hygiene kits that will be distributed through the Communities in Schools program.