Kortney Dailey, freshman environmental studies major of Baltimore, Maryland, pets a dog at the PIGS Animal Sanctuary in Shepherdstown on the morning of Aug. 17. (submitted)

Nearly 200 freshman and transfer students new to Shepherd University volunteered for the Day of Service at more than 20 locations in Berkeley and Jefferson counties Wednesday, Aug. 17 as orientation events prepared to kick off for the fall semester.

In addition to schools and community outreach facilities, students visited parks, humane societies, fire departments and animal sanctuaries.

Melissa Susko, director of PIGS Animal Sanctuary in Shepherdstown, said that the students who helped at the sanctuary on Wednesday were a huge help and energetic, assembling an outdoor exercise area and isolation building.

“They’re awesome,” Susko said in a press release. “We’ve been short-handed this summer and this will help endless animals.”

Heather Brown, freshman biology major of Baltimore, Md., said she decided to participate in Day of Service because she likes to volunteer. Brown has volunteered for the past four years at the Baltimore Zoo. Brown said she wanted to participate in Day of Service because she likes volunteering and likes helping others.

Lauren Miller, sophomore psychology major of Charleston, said that because it was her first year at Shepherd, she wanted to get involved in campus activities early on by participating in Day of Service.

Carolyn Cabral, volunteer program manager at Vinny’s Herd, Inc. (formerly Bellasana Stables), said that the Shepherd students were appreciated for their help in cleaning up the site and grooming rescue horses.

Molly Reid, junior sociology major of Martinsburg, gives lessons and volunteers in addition to being the treasurer on the board at Vinny’s. Reid said that the students seemed to jump in and were willing to help.

Holly Frye, director of student community service and service learning, said that this year’s event met the main goals which were to help students make connections with each other and the community.

“This is a great way to introduce them to the culture of service at Shepherd,” Frye said.