It’s no secret that Elon University offers many opportunities for students to participate in service activities. Whether it’s helping with a campus blood drive or volunteering at a residential event through Alternative Breaks, there are no shortage of opportunities to serve.

But for students who don’t know where to start, Kernodle Civic Life Centerget on the bus” program is offered as an opportunity for students to learn more about service opportunities at Elon. Each event can accommodate up to 20 students and is designed for students who lack transportation or who seek guidance in connecting with community partners. On Thursday, October 5th, buses transported students to Citygate Dream Center for the afternoon service.

“This program is an easy way to get involved. All students need to do is show up, and the rest of the experience is set up to help reduce the initial barriers students face when they want to volunteer in their communities.” said Kyle Anderson, associate director of Kernodle Civic Center. life. “It’s also a way to volunteer with friends and meet new students who may share similar interests and passions.”

Citygate Dream Center has partnered with Kernodle Center since 2020. The Dream Center serves as a hub of activity for people in the Burlington area and is dedicated to advocating for the children, students, and families of Alamance County. The nonprofit also partners with several local schools to provide resources and build relationships with students, offering free weekly dance classes, fitness classes, music and art classes, tutoring, and summer We offer camping etc.

At the Oct. 5 event, volunteers helped greet families and distribute diapers as part of Dream Center’s monthly diaper distribution.

“Students who participate in ‘Get on the Bus’ events are gaining real-world experience in what it means to be a community partner,” said Citigate Dream Center Coordinator at Kernodle Center. said Jack Bull ’26. “The Diaper Movement is all about community members coming together to support each other. Through this event, Elon University students can become part of this amazing community of people who support others. ”

Bull initially wasn’t aware of the opportunity at the Kernodle Center until volunteering in the HSS 1100 class during his first year at Elon. Later in the semester, when his advisor informed him about an internship affiliated with both the Kernodle Center and the City Gate He Dream Center, Mr. Bull thought it was the perfect opportunity to continue doing what he loves. Now a sophomore, Bull is now able to help her fellow students experience service opportunities.

“The lesson from this experience is that you can always do something,” Bull said. “While volunteering at the Dream Center and now coordinating volunteers, I have learned that no job is ever too small. There is always more you can do to empower your community. In doing so, you become part of a community. It is the actions we take that show who we really are.”

Kernodle Center offers weekly opportunities to volunteer through Elon Volunteers. student group. Students can register to “Get on the Bus” and learn more about registering for other service opportunities. phoenix serve platform.