Steppin' Out Service Project to Take Place April 1

by Paige Patton

Steppin' Out, Baylor University's biannual day of service, will take place Saturday, April 1, from noon to 5 p.m. at various locations throughout the Waco community.

This year more than 2,700 students are expected to participate--an increase of 200 students from last semester. Volunteers will paint houses, sort books, mentor younger Waco students and even two-step as a part of this service project.

"Steppin' Out represents an opportunity for our student community to step outside their comfort zones and interact with the people of Waco," said Karin Klinger, assistant director of student activities.

"I think it's important to be able to get out in the community and see the needs of Waco and meet those needs," said senior Melissa Newman, who has worked on the Steppin' Out steering committee.

Sponsored by the department of student activities, Steppin' Out is a nationally recognized program that demonstrates the commitment that Baylor students have to service. Steppin' Out is also supported by the Baylor/Waco Foundation, which recently awarded the program a $10,000 grant.

One day is set aside each semester for Baylor students as well as volunteers from within Waco to go into the community and volunteer in assorted projects. A student steering committee works on this program year round and helps facilitate and organize the days of service that average 12,000 volunteer hours per semester.

For more information, contact Klinger in the department of student activities at 710-6936, or visit the student activities website at https://www.baylor.edu/student_activities/.