In between going to class, studying for tests and writing papers, several University students still find time to give a hand to those less fortunate.

For Meredith Dixon, volunteering has always been a passion of hers.

Dixon, who is currently logging hours at Wood County Habitat for Humanity, does more than just her daily duties. While the 2008 graduate helps recruit new volunteers and maintains a positive relationship with the community, Dixon also finds time to enjoy herself at a place she loves being a part of.

‘I just think Habitat’s mission of building homes is great and now that I have been volunteering here for months and met the families benefiting, I can’t walk away because what we do is really great,’ Dixon said.

Dixon is just one of 126 students affiliated with the University to volunteer for the Wood County AmeriCorps Program, a network of national service programs to better surrounding communities through volunteer work.

Since its Wood and Lucas County inception in 2005, W.C. AmeriCorps has grown enough to receive national recognition for their work.

Often referred to as the domestic Peace Corps, W.C. AmeriCorps was a recipient of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Grant from the national government, which gave the organization over $180,000. The money will be used to create positions to aiding in financial stability for community members along with helping at-risk Toledo Public School students. The grant will also create 10 full-time and nine part-time positions in addition to 42 existing jobs within W.C. AmeriCorps.

Program Director Ed Newman realizes University students played a big part in receiving the grant. With over 100,000 contributed hours in less than four years, the government knew W.C. AmeriCorps had a sense of stability thanks in large part to University students.

‘The University connection is a very important one for our program,’ Newman said.

Operating nationally since 1994, Newman said approximately 574,000 volunteers have ‘ contributed to help out those in need.

‘[AmeriCorps] is an investment by the country in itself to really attend to local issues on a local basis.’ Newman said.

And University students are doing their part in making the University and Bowling Green thrive thanks to their volunteer work.

Whether its talking to members of domestic violence, tutoring students at the BG Teen Central, or helping senior citizens, W.C. AmeriCorps is involved in a variety of organizations.

‘I think AmeriCorps a great program,’ Senior Katie Cannode said.

Cannode, who creates programs for the Wood County Committee on Aging to help keep senior citizens’ brains and memories stay active, received a passion for volunteering through her sorority Omega Phi Alpha and has never looked back since.

After she graduates this summer , Cannode will cherish the 1,700-plus hours she served volunteering in which developed a great deal of dedication. Even though she might not continue volunteering, Cannode only hopes the best for W.C. AmeriCorps in the future.

‘I am happy for the program and I think it can benefit the Wood County core because more positions can open up for more volunteers who want to dedicate to help,’ she said.

And those on the fence of deciding whether or not volunteering would be something worthwhile, there is a big incentive included for any University student.

Since AmeriCorps is a national organization, it recognizes the program cannot exist without student participation. From student contributions, the government rewards them with not only a stipend worth up to $4,000, but halts interest on student loans while they are volunteering.

2009 graduate Melissa Cook received all these benefits, plus she made contacts with future employers, learn about community events, and most importantly, develop lasting relationships with people she will never forget.

‘The biggest reason why I enjoy it is because the people you work with are excited about change and getting out in the community,’ Cook said.

‘Getting people involved in community service has always been a passion of mine. It’s a great experience and everyone cares about improving the community. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve had so far.’

While all the benefits are nice, students are helping out because they want to Newman said. Volunteering induces an addiction and once inspired to help out the less fortunate, its a feelings that never goes away Newman said.

‘When you stop and think about it, it’s an exciting period. Yes the nation is face with difficulties now, but here are people stepping forward and saying I want to make my community that much of a better place to live,’ Newman said.