Dive Summary:
- Now in its 20th year, Calvin College's StreetFest introduces first year students to Grand Rapids while instilling the importance of community service.
- Around the city, student volunteers pull weeds, clean up graffiti, organize books, wash windows and play with neighborhood children.
- Cook Library Center director Sue Garza says she wouldn't be able to do her job as effectively without the Calvin students, who have helped out at the library for years, often assisting younger students with their homework and reading skills several times a week.
From the article:
Inside the Cook Library Center on Grand Rapids’ southwest side Thursday afternoon, Elizabeth Austin followed along as 10-year-old Estelita Chajal handily made her way through several children’s books. “She’s doing great,” said Austin, one of approximately 1,080 Calvin students who fanned out across Grand Rapids for community service projects as part of their orientation to the college. “It’s a lot of fun.” Elsewhere, the freshmen and transfer students pulled weeds, knocked down a wall, cleaned up graffiti and helped out at Degage and Mel Trotter ministries. ...