|
|
Giving Back: University of Idaho Students to Travel Across the Palouse to Paint Homes
Aug. 26, 2009
Written by Tina Deines
MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho students will travel beyond Moscow to volunteer for an annual community service project. Residence hall and Greek students will give back to the local community as they paint homes in the greater Moscow area for Paint the Palouse Saturday, Sept. 12.
Paint the Palouse is a nationally recognized community outreach program sponsored by University Housing. Each year, students paint the homes of area residents who are physically or financially unable to do so themselves. This service is free of charge.
This year, students will travel farther than ever for the annual event, as they will paint four houses – two in Moscow, one in Albion, Wash., and one in Garfield, Wash.
Holly Blanchette, coordinator of the event and residence hall student, said participating in Paint the Palouse is a fun and rewarding experience.
"Paint the Palouse is an excellent opportunity for University of Idaho students to interact with members from the Moscow community," Blanchette said. "Many of the homeowners are active participants as well, sometimes painting or simply chatting with the volunteers."
Blanchette also called the dedication of volunteers "inspirational" and noted that both volunteers and homeowners feel a sense of accomplishment as a result of Paint the Palouse.
"Seeing the finished product not only uplifts the homeowners, but the volunteers feel a sense of accomplishment and pride when they are finished," Blanchette said. "Paint the Palouse is an event that changes the lives of the homeowners, the community and volunteers for the better."
Volunteers will meet at the University of Idaho Library at 7 a.m. that day and will receive breakfast and free water bottle. Those interested in volunteering may contact Blanchette at hollyb@uidaho.edu or (208) 885-9078.
Paint the Palouse takes place each fall and is funded through donations from local businesses, the Residence Hall Association and hall funds.
Local businesses may make donations in the form of food, painting supplies and money. To make financial donations, make checks payable to Paint the Palouse and send them to: Paint the Palouse, P.O. Box 442010, Moscow, ID 83844-2010.
# # #
About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 130 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
Media Contact: Tina Deines, University Housing, (208) 885-7883, tdeines@uidaho.edu
|
