1. Community Service By: Joey Allocca

2. What is Community Service? Community service is an act by a person that benefits the local community. People become involved in community service for many reasons: for some, serving community is an unselfish act, for others it is a punishment. During the Spring semester of 2009 at Valdosta State University, I contributed to Habitat for Humanity and the Special Needs Awareness Day

3. What is Habitat for Humanity? Habitat for HumanityHabitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, worldwide Christian organization that works in partnership with God and people everywhere to build decent, affordable houses in which people can live and grow into all that God intended.

4. How much is it? Habitat for Humanity does not cost a cent to join. All one has to do is sign up and show up! Here are the age requirements for volunteering for Habitat for Humanity:

5. Age Requirements: A person must be 18 years of age or older to operate a power tool on a Habitat work site and do all other types of construction activity. 16 and older are able to work on a site during general construction but may not operate power tools or be on ladders or scaffolding. Ages 14-15, a person may not be on a work site during general construction. Special work days for youth groups with ages 14-15 will be scheduled.

6. Special Needs Awareness Another type of community service that I completed was helping out at the Special Needs Awareness Day at Valdosta State University. I had a lot of fun participating because I knew that I was lending out a helping hand towards the community. (This is me showing all of the kids that it is OK to have fun!)

7. What is Special Needs Awareness Day? During this outing, the main purpose was to help the privileged and underprivileged have fun together. Located at Billy Grant Field, on the campus of Valdosta State University, the volunteers and I set up games and activities for the children for a few hours on a hot Saturday afternoon. We had the following activities: a moon bounce, face-painting, a few animal games, and toss across.

8. Why is helping important? Being able to help underprivileged children or those in need is very important in my life. I feel that if I am able to help, I should help. I love to play games and have fun. If I can help a child feel the same way, then that would make my day!

9. FUN! FUN! FUN! During my community service, I had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and knowing that I am helping the community. I would definitely help out with those organizations again!

10. Overall… These experiences helped me see the world through a different set of eyes. Before I volunteered, I was not happy all of the time. After I volunteered, I was probably the happiest man alive because I felt good about myself.