FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 02/13/2008

Bridgewater's Alumni Day of Sharing Set For March 8

BRIDGEWATER, Va. If Bridgewater College has its way, thousands of alumni, students and friends will descend upon service, charitable and humanitarian agencies across the country on March 8 to participate in the second annual Bridgewater College Alumni Day of Sharing.

"Last year, volunteers provided valuable assistance to a number of agencies and built good will by representing the College in various communities," said Wendell Esbenshade, director of alumni relations at Bridgewater College. "This year we hope to duplicate that success, and go beyond it, by enlisting even more BC people to help make communities a better place to live."

In 2007, volunteers provided firewood to needy people, bagged lunches and helped prepare food for the homeless, renovated service-agency offices, visited the elderly and helped provide support services to homeless women and their dependent children.

This year, said Esbenshade, the Office of Alumni Relations at Bridgewater College will make some contacts with agencies that have opportunities for volunteers on March 8. The list will be posted on the office's Web site at www.bridgewater.edu/alumni-service

"If there aren't any agencies listed that are near you, or if you'd like to volunteer with other agencies, we encourage you to find an opportunity in your area," he said.

Esbenshade suggested local United Way offices, soup kitchens, food pantries, the Salvation Army, thrift stores, departments of parks and recreation and local churches.

Further information about the Alumni Day of Sharing may be obtained by calling the BC Office of Alumni Relations at (540) 828-5451, or by e-mailing alumnews@bridgewater.edu.

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