Student Groups Plan "Columbia University Serves 2008"

In the excitement over the Obama/McCain visit and all of the attendant drama, it's easy to forget about the stated purpose of the event: to raise awareness about national service and inspire Americans to serve their communities.

But student service groups on campus will be sharing the spotlight with the two presidential candidates on Thursday and trying put all of the excitement to some productive use during Columbia University Serves 2008.

According to Susan Bernal, a spokesperson for Community Impact, one of the largest service groups on campus, the event will include a service fair, where service groups will distribute information about their programs, a canned food drive, a voter registration drive, an open mic for individuals to speak to the campus community about service, and the opportunity for students to fill out pledge cards to commit to community service this year.

Columbia University Serves 2008 will take place from 4-7 PM this Thursday in front of Butler Library.