Hundreds of UF students passed through the Volunteer Organization Fair on Monday to learn how they could serve Gainesville.
The Center for Leadership and Service, a Dean of Students Office program, brought more than 50 volunteer organizations to the fair at the Reitz Union Colonnade, said Andrew Perrone, the center's assistant director.
The center hosts the fair every fall and spring semester, Perrone said. About 500 people visited the fair, he said.
Amy Panikowski, a Peace Corps recruiter at UF, said Monday's event was the best turnout of the five volunteer fairs she has worked.
"A lot of students are realizing talk is cheap," she said. "You have to really act on it."
Panikowski thinks the presidential campaign and recent natural disasters have encouraged people do to their part, she said.
Jeremy Grossman, director of Florida Alternative Breaks, said Hurricane Katrina gave a big push for service at his organization, which organizes weeklong service trips across the country.
Paul King, UF marketing junior, said he came to the fair to find an organization that will fulfill the 20-hour volunteer requirement for his Exceptional People class.
After about 30 minutes of browsing and gathering fliers, he said he is considering St. Francis House and Oak Hammock retirement community.
