Many students find themselves performing countless hours of community service in high school; some just do it to add to their college applications and others out of the goodness of their hearts. For the students that have the urge to help others, West Chester University has several service organizations including Circle K. It is a non-profit, service organization focusing on service, leadership and fellowship. It is the college version of the Key Club in high schools and the Kiwanis club for adults. The WCU chapter consists of 20 members and has a continuous open membership.
“We are a co-ed organization ,but we have trouble getting males to join,” said Briana Rudy, Circle K President. Rudy, a junior, social work major, has held her position for the past two years.
“We’re really hoping to increase the size of our organization,” said Rudy.
The Circle K members participate in an average of three to four service projects a week. So far this school year, they have been involved in the Breast Cancer Walk in Philadelphia and the Hershey Walk to support efforts in fighting brain cancer.
“The Breast Cancer Walk this year was the most memorable event for me so far because we each had family members who have fought breast cancer. So even though we walked as a group, it was a very personal event,” said Rudy.
West Chester University’s Circle K chapter is part of Metro Division for Pennsylvania, which includes Drexel University, LaSalle University, University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. The Metro Division’s big project right now is Promoting Literacy Among Youth (P.L.A.Y.) Right now, WCU Circle K is in first place in the Metro Division for the number of hours dedicated to P.L.A.Y. They are also currently holding a book drive to help them campaign for youth literacy. The participants have been named “P.L.A.Y.A.’s,” which stands for Promoting Literacy Among Youth Advocates. Anyone who would like to contribute can bring any type of books to the Circle K office in 213 Sykes.
Circle K is also very involved with the local Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House by volunteering at the house and collecting can tabs. The tabs are converted into reasonable funds for the non-profit house who serve families suffering from childhood diseases. Their current goal is to buy a brick for the house which they will fundraise $100 to purchase.
Besides the countless hours of service, Circle K also tries to be an example to the campus and keep a professional image. They recently attended a University breakfast for local business contributors in which they set up a table and spoke with the guests about their organization and their service.
“We’re a very organized and professional service group,” said Rudy. All officers of Circle K are required to participate in their division training that takes place in the fall and spring. Most have been trained multiple times and the organization is open to any service ideas and events and often participate in several that are personal to its members. Their slogan this year is “The fun doesn’t stop when the service starts.”
“We’re a very open organization. We do a lot to help and support the local community, but also a lot to help and support each other,” said Rudy.
Circle K meets every Tuesday in Sykes 209. All students are welcome to attend.