Butler University students are gearing up for fall break—a chance to relax, go home and maybe catch up on some classwork.

But relaxation isn’t for everyone.

Students can also  go out into the community and do some volunteer work during break.

Butler students ought to use some of the break to do some community service, whether it’s here in Indianapolis or at home.

At a university with as much programming as Butler, there is no shortage of ways to get involved with community service.

If students want to get started volunteering, they don’t need to look any further than the Volunteer Center located on the south side of Atherton Union.

Alex Petersen, student director at the Volunteer Center, said that the center allows students to take part in service projects the might not know much about.

Petersen went on to say that the Volunteer Center has an online database that they can use to help students get in contact with volunteer projects and organizations.

Incoming freshmen were given the opportunity to do community service during Welcome Week through Bulldogs into the Streets.

Becky Pokrandt, event coordinator for BITS, said that approximately 550 freshmen and 55 leaders volunteered at 23 sites around Indianapolis.

“When I was a freshmen I didn’t know the surrounding area.” Pokrandt said. “BITS gave me a chance to explore Indianapolis and establish that this is where I live. BITS sets a really good tone for a student’s years at Butler.  It’s a part of our community and who we are.”

Hopefully that same tone carries on for other students’ time at Butler.

Allen McClendon, senior manager of community partnerships, volunteers and neighborhood parks for IndyParks, said IndyParks has many opportunities for Butler students to volunteer.

“Whenever you can donate your time to any organization, that’s time well spent,” McClendon said.  “It makes the city a better place. Indy is a great place to live because we have so many individuals that give back to the community. It really shows in the city and how the city looks.  Hoosiers don’t hesitate to step up to the plate and donate their time.”

So, Bulldogs, whether you’re staying on campus or going home, take some time to make a positive difference in your community.