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The Big Event grows volunteers, goodwill and interaction

Thursday, April 23, 2015

OSU students come together to volunteer around the city of Stillwater to say one big thanks during The Big Event.

The Oklahoma State University Big Event got bigger again this year, boasting almost 1,600 volunteers who visited 181 households and businesses in Stillwater to help with yard work and other chores, while bringing students and Stillwater residents together.

Coordinated annually by the Student Government Association at Oklahoma State University, the event gives volunteers throughout campus the opportunity to thank Stillwater residents for the community’s ongoing support. 

This year’s event left a positive impression on local homeowner Joyce McCroskey, who said she really appreciates students’ willingness to help. 

“Age and health have made certain tasks around the house more difficult,” McCroskey said.  “The students have always been polite and willing to tackle any job. We also enjoy the time we have to interact with them, talking about our homes and families, their studies and plans for the future.”

This was the first year that The Big Event asked volunteers and clients to fill out surveys documenting their time with the organization. The survey found that an overwhelming majority of both volunteers and clients wish they had more time to interact with each other. 

Volunteer Daniel Anderson is glad he decided to get up early on a Saturday to participate in this year’s event. “Helping that lady was the best start to the day we could have had,” Anderson said. “It was so easy and it helped her tremendously. We were all happy because of it. She gave us chocolate chip cookies and fresh fruit afterwards.”

The Big Event executive team has been working since last August to prepare for this one big day in April. Michele Crater, the director of The Big Event, spearheaded its planning.

“Preparing for the Big Event was trying at times, but it was so rewarding,” Crater said.  “I was lucky to be surrounded by a great team who was just as motivated as I was to make this day as great as possible.  The best part about the event is how both the students and the community of Stillwater benefit from these good deeds.” 

Several companies in Stillwater participated in The Big Event through donations and sponsorships. A few examples included Starbucks, which provided coffee the day of the event, Daylight Donuts supplied donuts, and Panera Bread offered bagels.

Next year's Big Event is March 2, 2016. 

Story by Alex Marianos

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