Student groups participate in Relay

This year at the Relay for Life, the Volunteer Students Bureau will not be using its energy to race around the track. Instead, the organization is donating its time and energy in a different way. \nKristen King, executive board member in charge of volunteer activities for children, is also the Student Alumni Association's team captain. The VSB decided to show its support for King and the SSA team, co-president Caitlin Roth said. \nRelay for Life is an event created to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, according to the Web site www.cancer.org. Those interested in helping can join teams to participate in the overnight walk and run. IU's Relay for Life will take place on April 1, according to the site. \nAlthough the VSB normally creates its own team to participate in the Relay, Roth said it wanted to show their appreciation for all the SAA do for it throughout the year. \n"We plan on doing this by making signs, cheering them on and providing snacks and drinks throughout the event," Roth said. "All of the executive board members are really excited to have a chance to support the Student Alumni Association and the Relay for Life."\nKing said the event is also a worthy cause.\n"The Relay for Life is such a beneficial event to so many people" King said. "It really does so much for so many people."\nThe Relay for Life started when surgeon Gordy Klatt wanted to increase the income for his local American Cancer Society Office, according to the Web site. In May of 1985 he spent 24 hours walking and running 83 miles. Throughout the night, his friends paid $25 to walk with him for a duration of 30 minutes. That night with 300 of his friends present, he raised $27,000. After the success, he imagined what it would be like to have many teams participate. The following year, his vision came to life when 19 teams took part and raised $33,000.\nRoth said the Volunteer Student's Bureau has completely opened her eyes to the world. \n"I just love the Volunteer Students Bureau," she says, "This organization showed me how fortunate I am to be where I am and be doing what I am doing. It really made me want to help others as much as I can." \nRoth said recruiting is an important aspect of VSB.\n"My favorite part of the organization is getting underclassmen involved," Roth said. "I love seeing them learn to help those around them and begin to grow from the organization."\nCatie Eggert, also co-president of the VSB, said she couldn't agree more.\n"This organization has given me a great way to become involved in the Bloomington community and has enhanced my college experience so much," Eggert said. "I love being a part of this organization."\nVSB members have been volunteering around Bloomington since it was founded by the Student Activities Office in 1969, according to the Web site www.indiana.edu/~iuvolbur/history.htm. In its 35 years at IU, VSB has established volunteer opportunities in areas such as public relations, animals, arts and environment, senior citizens and health, children, disabilities and hunger and homelessness.