Students in action: A volunteer army-ready to serve

How University of Florida students are making a difference in their community and improving their own lives at the same time.While students are incredibly busy with their academic and social lives, Petey Bingham, a student at the University of Florida in Gainesville, believes that students need to look beyond themselves sometimes to improve the lives of others. That's why he founded Project: Yellow-"an army of student volunteers, ready to help when we are needed."


About 100 members strong, Project: Yellow partners with organizations that assist those in need. Student volunteers give their time to helping the homeless and disadvantaged through organizations such as St. Francis House and Arbor House. They have worked with shelters to serve meals and maintain the grounds through various landscaping projects.


Yellow's first project was building a ramp for a wheelchair-bound woman who could not leave her house. "Four hours later she was out of her house doing donuts in the front yard," laughs Bingham, who adds that the group gets its name from a color that is very positive.


Helping Others Can Help Yourself
During his time in Project: Yellow, Bingham has seen many students shake free of shyness when it comes to serving their communities. The experience gives students self-confidence to interact with people they don't know and make a difference in their lives.


By contributing to another's life, students may also be improving their own health. A study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service called The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research found that those who volunteer live longer, have a higher functionality, are less depressed, and are less at risk for heart disease.


"I think Project: Yellow students definitely have a new improved vision of the world," adds Bingham, "and bettering the world is a goal that all students should support."


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