From Los Angeles to Chicago to Philadelphia, alumni donated their time and talents to the betterment of their communities during UMass Amherst Community Service Month in April. The Alumni Association’s regional clubs coordinated the volunteer activities in partnership with local community and charitable organizations. “These events were many months in the making,” said associate director for alumni volunteer programs, Kevin Fleming, “and we were thrilled with the response from our alumni.”

Each year, the Alumni Association’s Volunteer Program provides opportunities for alumni, students, and friends to give back to UMass Amherst through a variety of programs, committees, and boards. Over 500 volunteers participate in Alumni Association volunteer programs. The month-long community service drive further extends the program throughout the country, strengthening alumni bonds and raising the visibility and profile of UMass Amherst and its alumni family.

Plans for UMass Amherst’s Community Service Month in 2009 are already underway. “We coordinated 13 projects this year that mobilized close to 150 volunteers,” said Fleming. “Our goal is to double that next year.” Suggestions for volunteer projects are welcome and may be sent to alumni@ admin.umass.edu. Visit our Web site at UMassAlumni. com to view a full list of volunteer opportunities.

	In Worcester, Alumni Club members worked with Rebuilding Together Worcester to rehabilitate homes for low-income home-owners.
	Washington D.C. alumni participated in the D.C. Cares Servathon to help clean up area schools.
	The Los Angeles Alumni Club partnered with the Midnight Mission to prepare and serve food to the homeless in downtown L.A.