EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Volunteers from the University of El Paso are trying to make El Paso into a better place to live and work.
This past weekend, more than 650 participants contributed more than 4,000 hours of volunteer labor.
Project MOVE (Miner Opportunities for Volunteer Experiences), the University’s annual day of service, was held on Saturday, April 5 and brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners to serve at about 30 sites throughout El Paso.
Volunteers did the following tasks: landscaping, painting, cleaning, sorting donations, refurbishing facilities and addressing specific needs identified by community organizations.
“The enthusiasm and dedication shown by our Miner community continues to inspire us,” said Jennifer Lujan, Project MOVE lead organizer and director of UTEP’s Center for Community Engagement. “Project MOVE exemplifies our University’s commitment to serving the community that supports us throughout the year.”
As part of this year’s initiative, members of the University’s Peer Leader Program teamed up with Rebuilding Together El Paso. The local nonprofit organization rehabilitates and revitalizes homes for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners. This weekend, they spruced up a home in the Sunset Heights neighborhood, near UTEP campus, UTEP said in a news release.
Roger De Moore, the nonprofit organization’s executive director, said his group’s partnership with UTEP, now in its 14th year, has evolved significantly over the years.
“Part of our mission is to offer meaningful volunteering opportunities. UTEP and its students have really made the most of these opportunities. The teams are full every year, which shows us that these young people have a true spirit of service,” he said.
Dyvanna Soria, a senior graphic design major, was one of the students who participated in the renovation project led by Rebuilding Together El Paso.
“I volunteered for a year at El Pasoans Fighting Hunger food bank; I also help out at Keystone Heritage Park doing garden work, pulling weeds, and raking leaves,” Soria said. “This work is important to me because it allows me to contribute to my community. I know people appreciate the help, but it’s also very fulfilling personally. I also hope that by being here, I can inspire others to do the same.”
Now in its 15th year, Project MOVE is one of UTEP’s signature community engagement efforts, the university said. Since its inception in 2010, participants have completed projects ranging from revitalizing public spaces and repairing homes to supporting health care initiatives and addressing food insecurity. The university estimates the value of these contributions at nearly $1.5 million.
For more information about Project MOVE and future volunteer opportunities, visit utep.edu/student-affairs/projectmove/.
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