(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) – Volunteer UCM students sent over 60 Valentine’s Day cards to senior citizens through a recent Stop & Serve event.

Kristie Brinkley, assistant director of Student Activities, said over 43 people participated and about 60 cards were made during the event on Thursday, Feb. 1.

“We encourage students to take advantage of these unique volunteer opportunities,” Brinkley said. “We love to see students getting involved and participating in these events.”

Brinkley said each handmade card was sent to a senior citizen resident of the Warrensburg Manor Care Center, which is a rehabilitation and nursing home facility in town.

Brinkley said the Stop & Serve Volunteer opportunities happen once a month in the Elliott Student Union, and every month carries a different theme. She said that about 20-50 people participate every month.

Brinkley said Stop & Serve’s motto is “Community service on a tight schedule.” The group sets up tables in the Union where students can stop by and get involved before heading to class.

Beth Rutt, director of Student Activities, said participation from the students is important for the program.

“The program helps a lot of our local community businesses and service providers but they are more like a special event,” Rutt said. “The Stop & Serve is held once a month just as another reminder that you can do something that may only take you 5 to 15 minutes, but it may make a world of difference to the person who receives the benefit of your time.”

Sydney Tormena, a freshman history and international business major, said this is a good program for the school.

“I see the Stop & Serve tables in the Union on occasion and I always do my best to get involved,” Tormena said. “I think these events are really important for students to participate in, and they are very rewarding for everyone involved.”

The next Stop & Serve events are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, for National Reading Month, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, for National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Both events will take place in the Elliott Student Union.

To learn more about service opportunities on campus, contact the Office of Volunteer Services at ucmo.edu/volunteer or call 660-543-4007.