RELEASED: Jan. 8, 2004

DANVILLE, KY—Rebecca Bush, a sophomore from Brooksville, Ky., has been named December's Volunteer of the Month for her hard work and efforts organizing Centre volunteers for nearly 50 hours of bell-ringing for the Salvation Army. Proceeds from the bell-ringing totaled almost $3,500 and were used to provide gifts and meals for families in need.

Trina McFarland, assistant director of student life for service and leadership development at Centre, said Bush did a stellar job.

"Typically, this is an event I organize, so I can appreciate the amount of work that goes into it," McFarland said. "Rebecca approached me early last semester and asked if I'd like for her to coordinate the event this year. I was really impressed with her initiative. Having worked with Rebecca on other projects, I knew she'd do a great job, and she certainly lived up to my expectations."

Bush, an English major, explained why she took on the project.

"I happened to volunteer to ring the Salvation Army bell last year and it turned out to be one of the greatest things that I did during the entire Christmas season. It really put me in the frame of mind to appreciate the spirit of giving that permeates the holiday atmosphere."

To fill the 50-to-60 one-hour slots Centre had been assigned, Bush publicized the bell-ringing in Notesworthy (Centre's weekly e-mail newsletter) and contacted the philanthropy chairs for several campus organizations. She was thrilled with the response.

"In all honesty," Bush said, "we had more groups volunteer than spaces to fill!"

Bush said there are many rewards from volunteering.

"Granted, standing outside in the frigid cold for an hour doesn't seem appealing, but it's a great break from the stress of classes, studying and life in general because it puts you in the spirit of the holidays.
"People commented on how wonderful it felt when donors would stop and thank them for their time. On the surface, the bell-ringing seems like such a simple activity, but it can have a huge effect on the people who pass you as they go about their errands. The sound of the bell alone serves as this tugging reminder of what the holiday season is really about. I can't pass a Salvation Army kettle without putting something in."

She also acknowledged McFarland for her support.

"Trina's the one who keeps everyone motivated and excited about what we do to help others year round."

Bush is studying in Cameroon, Africa, this month as part of CentreTerm.

The volunteer award program at Centre recognizes some of the many students who provide service to the local community. Each year, around 60 percent of all Centre students become community volunteers. The College encourages volunteerism with a community service day each year as part of the orientation for first-year students.

For more information, contact McFarland at (859) 238-5479 or e-mail mcfarlnd@centre.edu.

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