Hundreds of Texas A&M Galveston students lend a helping hand to Galveston residents    

As part of the nation's largest one-day, student run community service project, hundreds of students from Texas A&M University at Galveston will be participating in the 23rd annual Big Event starting at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 25 across Galveston.

The Big Event originally began at Texas A&M University in College Station in 1982, as a way for the university and students to give something back to the community that is so supportive. Students work on a variety of projects like cleaning yards, painting houses and planting trees.

In 1994, this Aggie tradition was started in Galveston to inspire students to get out into the community and make a difference.  "The Big Event is something that has always been near to my heart," said Big Event Director Macy Elms.  "Service is one of the Aggie Core Values and the Big Event gives me a way to put my favorite value into practice."

Last year, The Big Event hosted 30 sites in the Galveston area and hope to have around 45 sites for the event this year, according to sites and tools officer Kate Bricken.  "In previous years we have worked with Moody Gardens, Galveston Urban Ministries, the Galveston Tree Program, Galveston Historical Foundation and Artist Boat" said Bricken.  "This allows us to give back to a widely diverse variety of community supporters."

Staff advisor for the Big Event Taylor Kemp hopes to see the Big Event continue to grow and influence the lives of so many students at Texas A&M Galveston as well as the Galveston community.  "Big Event is one of the best ways to expose students to volunteer opportunities as well as give them a chance to use their gifts and talents to make a difference in the community."

If you would like to apply to have your project be considered or if you would like to donate items, please email bigeventgalveston@gmail.com.  Requests for sites are not guaranteed, but each application will be considered.