妻友社区’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility continued with the annual , which collected an impressive number of books for local students. The initiative, a collaborative effort between the (OLCE) and , allowed incoming students to contribute more than 760 books for the second consecutive year, underscoring their dedication to making a positive impact on their new community at the start of their Georgia Southern experience.

The SOAR Service Project, an integral part of the University’s orientation program, allowed incoming students and their families to participate in a community service project aimed at fostering connections and a sense of civic responsibility. The project was met with enthusiasm, resulting in a substantial collection of books to be distributed to students in both Bulloch and Chatham counties.

“We always enjoy this opportunity to promote this service project each year to our new Eagles as a way to get them connected to their new home,鈥� said Mike Smith, associate director of New Student & Family Programs.

In collaboration with the nonprofit organization Altrusa Club of Statesboro, the books were labeled and categorized by reading levels, and will be distributed through the Backpack Buddies Program. 

鈥淚t is always amazing to see incoming students invest in their new community, and the response to this project is only the beginning of the positive contribution Georgia Southern students will make while they earn their degrees,鈥� added Jodi Kennedy, OLCE director.