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April 1-20, 2024

The Big Event

The Big Event 2024: Blitz Build

Join Georgia Southwestern for the inaugural "Big Event," a student-run service project serving the local community. This spring, we hope to bring Georgia Southwestern students together to say “Thank You” to the residents of Sumter County while also learning the impact of their service. For 2024, GSW will be partnering with the Fuller Center for Housing to host a Blitz Build to build a house in Americus, Georgia on South Hampton Street for a local family in need.

 

Register to Volunteer

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Make an Impact

Contribute to making a difference in the Americus community

Volunteer Credit

Receive volunteer credit and learn new skills while at the job site

Lasting Memories

Make new friends while creating memories with the GSW community

Free T-Shirt

Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt if registered by March 14

Why the Big Event?

This specific type of service event educates GSW students while serving the local community as a whole. Our goal with each Big Project is to ensure our students are provided with the tools to better understand their environment and succeed well after their studies. We aim to:

  • Inform Georgia Southwestern students on the impact that they have on the local community
  • Educate students about relevant social and economic issues that many face everyday
  • Teach students skills throughout the project such as time management, leadership, following directions, etc.

FAQs

Who can participate?

Anyone! It is our goal to primarily engage our students with the event. However, faculty and staff will have opportunities to participate and lead informative sessions to better prepare our Hurricanes.

What do I wear?

Each volunteer will receive a Big Event T-shirt that you are encouraged to wear during the day. Teams may not know what duty they may have until the day of, so we recommend wearing comfortable shorts or pants and tennis shoes.

Be sure to wear clothes and that you do not mind getting dirty, as some locations involve painting, planting, or cleaning. 

What tasks am I required to do?

Tasks will depend on what day you volunteer for. Volunteer tasks for the Build Blitz may consist of painting, building, picking up sticks, raking, moving boxes, planting greenery, or organizing items. 

How are projects chosen?

As the Big Event tradition evolves, events will be chosen based on need and our capability to assist with the project.

Do I need to have building experience?

No, experience is not expected. There will be a variety of tasks from beginner, intermediate, and expert depending on your skill level.

Volunteer Expectations

1

Orientation

Attend a mandatory Volunteer Orientation the last week in March to explain volunteer duties and goals to prepare for the event

2

Dress Appropriately

Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and closed-toed shoes (boots or tennis shoes are recommended)

3

Get to Business

Show up at the job site at your registered time and work your full shift; Supervision, supplies, and training will be given

4

Have Fun!

Enjoy yourself while making an impact on the community, learning new skills, and meeting new people

David Snell
Emmanuel Robinson
Peter Salemme
Roger Willis

President, Fuller Center for Housing

David is the President of The Fuller Center for Housing, and is proud to partner with GSW on the Blitz Build to honor the Carters. He explained at the Groundbreaking how the Carters got involved with Millard and Linda Fuller’s ministries, and “it changed everything. The ministries just exploded, so we want to honor them with this house.”

Homeowner

Emmanuel will put in hundreds of hours of sweat equity during the build and will be living in the home upon completetion. He works for the City of Americus and is a single father to 11-year-old Bentley and 3-year-old twins Asher and Auri.

Contractor

Peter is the Contractor for the house build, and calls this project a “triple win” because you get to help a family, learn new skills, and meet great people.

Chief Building Inspector, City of Americus

Roger is the Chief Building Inspector for City of Americus, and he found the lot for the Blitz Build. He explained there used to be a dilapidated house on the property and the owner was an elderly lady living in another state who owed a few years’ worth of back taxes. She was unaware of the home’s condition and was unable to pay the taxes owed. Roger was able to get the house torn done at no cost to the owner and the property donated to the Land Bank Authority which expunged the lady’s back taxes. It was a win, win situation for everyone involved.
Carter Leadership student volunteer by painting

Volunteering

The student registration link will provide groups and individuals the ability to choose shift during the Big Event.

Student athletes volunteer

Impact

The impact of participating in the Big Event is limitless. Hear from individuals impacted across the community.

Nursing students volunteer during cleanup

Donations

Contributions made to the Big Event will assist in providing necessary resources to our students and project. Make sure to click the dropdown menu and select the correct fund.