Christmas came early for Gin Jenson.
The North Dakota State University freshman on Friday helped sort through the Christmas lights that will decorate downtown Fargo-Moorhead this holiday season.
"I love Christmas. So this is a lot of fun for me," she said.
Jenson was among about 1,000 NDSU students who spent three hours Friday helping community agencies during the school's "Help Outing" project.
All of the students are taking NDSU's "Public Speaking Fundamentals" class. As part of the class, students are required to donate time in a service-learning activity.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I think it's very important for students to get in touch with their community and see how they can make a difference," said Deanna Sellnow, NDSU communication professor.
Students in the class, which is required for graduation, prepare speeches based on their service-learning experience.
"Help U," a newly formed NDSU student organization, arranged Friday's event. The organization connects students with agencies that need help.
Over the coming year NDSU students will be involved in a number of projects, including filling orders at food pantries and sorting clothing at thrift stores.
NDSU students participating in Friday's event received a barbecue picnic lunch.
Also attending the lunch were Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness and NDSU President Joseph Chapman. Conrad presented students with his "Yes, We Can" award.
Among the agencies helped Friday were Hospice of the Red River Valley, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Stores, Friendship Inc. and the Downtown Community Partnership.
Working for the partnership, Jenson and 20 other NDSU students unraveled twisted-up strings of Christmas lights and made sure the lights still work.
ADVERTISEMENT
The students worked hard and did a good job, said Randy Long, the partnership's general manager.
"We're glad to have them," he said.
Sellnow said NDSU hopes the project will help students start on a lifetime of community service.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jonathan Knutson at (701) 241-5530
