LAW SCHOOL STUDENTS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - University of Arkansas School of Law students were engaged in a number of charitable drives and activities that helped to make the holidays brighter for many Northwest Arkansas area residents.

The charitable events began with the Student Bar Association's Powder Puff Football game in October 2001. More than 900 canned goods were collected during this fun and profitable activity. The SBA initially began collecting canned goods as part of their annual Halloween Party. The creative thinking of SBA Community Service Chair Jennifer Waymack transformed the activity into a competitive event. The entry fee was a canned goods item. 

Additionally, each team attained extra points by the donation of canned goods based on a point system; 10 points for meat products, five for vegetable and two for other donated items or canned goods. The items were donated to Community Energy Outreach.

SBA President Darrell Brown said, "We are very happy to be helping out with this worthy cause, especially in light of the troubles CEO and other charitable organizations have faced in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks."

The giving continued with the SBA's coat drive and the Law Students' Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LSCADV) holiday toy drive. The SBA collected 35 coats, along with additional winter accessories for a total value of approximately $250. The donations went to the Seven Hills Homeless Shelter on West Sixth Street in Fayetteville. SBA coat drive chair Stacie Walters said the staff and residents of the shelter were very grateful.

The LSCADV collected gifts and monies for the holiday toy drive. The group was assigned five families who obtain services from the Benton County Women's Shelter. Each child received needed clothing, as well as items they specifically requested. Other items donated included a dollhouse, a playhouse, three bicycles, and a variety of toys, books and games. Five Wal-Mart gift cards valued at $50 each were also donated.

Elizabeth Echols, founder and president of LSCADV, designed and promoted the project, which received an overwhelming response from the School of Law community.

Members of the Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity spent their holiday helping others as well.  President David Pease decided that for every social event there would also be a community event. The group contacted Interfaith Volunteers to offer their assistance, which resulted in the painting and general maintenance of an elderly woman's home.

School of Law Dean Robert Moberly said he is proud of the students' community service initiatives.

"It is refreshing to see students giving back to the community," Moberly said. "It helps make them aware of the needs of others and offers them the opportunity to become a part of the community on a more personal level."

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Carol E. Rachal, communications coordinator, University of Arkansas School of Law, (479) 575-6111; crachal@uark.edu

Jay Nickel, Assistant Manager of Media Relations, (479) 575-7943, jnickel@uark.edu