UMW’s Into the Streets Service Project Helps Local Community

More than 70 University of Mary Washington students shared their volunteer spirit with the Fredericksburg area community on Saturday, Sept. 24, for Into the Streets. The autumn tradition is hosted by UMW’s Community Outreach and Resources (COAR), which supports and promotes community engagement, volunteerism and service among students.

“For a few hours on a Saturday, they have a chance to get out of their residence hall room and make a positive difference,” said Center for Community Engagement Director Sarah Dewees. “Into the Streets is a great way for UMW students to volunteer with nonprofit organizations that serve Fredericksburg and learn more about our community.”

Groups big and small set out to do lawn and garden work – planting, weeding, harvesting, mulching, shrub-trimming – for the Fredericksburg Area Museum, St. Mary’s Church, Lafayette Upper Elementary School, Downtown Greens and Tree Fredericksburg. They also cleaned up trash throughout the city and along the Rappahannock River. In total, the project helped 12 organizations and resulted in 216 service hours.

“It’s a great way to get involved with the City of Fredericksburg and give back to the community we call home during the school year,” said Nathan Francis, a junior and COAR staff member who’s majoring in political science and philosophy.

Nearly 80 University of Mary Washington students participated it last weekend’s Into the Streets annual community service project. Photo by Nathan Francis.

UMW students Nathan Francis, Vivian Reinhardt, Khushi (Celia) Constance and Taylor Coleman participated in last weekend’s Into the Streets event.

UMW student Ava Barsotti signs a banner before heading out to complete one of several group projects at last weekend’s Into the Streets event. Photo by Nathan Francis.

UMW students also dedicated their time Saturday to helping out at the Fredericksburg Food Co-op, the SPCA, the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store and Bookmobile Fredericksburg. On-campus tasks included weeding, trimming and tidying up in the University’s pollinator gardens and the community garden at UMW Apartments.

UMW students Alastair Storm and Eliana Nachman volunteer with the Fredericksburg Food Co-op during last weekend’s Into the Streets event. Also with them is food co-op board member Gerald Anderson. Photo byKaren Pearlman.

UMW students Jillian Vargas and Willow Candage volunteer at the Fredericksburg SPCA as part of Into the Streets. Photo by Nathan Francis.

Into the Streets community service event. Each gift during the 24-hour Mary Wash Giving Day event contributes to enhancing life and experiences for UMW students. Photo by Karen Pearlman Photography. #MaryWashDay #TogetherUMW

Sophomore Max Steinbaum said it felt fulfilling to help beautify Market Square behind the Fredericksburg Area Museum, which he has used as a resource for completing class assignments for his major in historic preservation. “It felt amazing to give back and beautify the two-century-old gathering place so more people can enjoy it!”