May 25, 2012 – Throughout the 2011-2012 academic year, the Communication Graduate Student Association (CGSA) participated in several service projects benefiting organizations such as the Montgomery County Christmas Store, Warm Hearth Village retirement community, and the American Cancer Society.

With help from graduate director, Dr. Beth Waggenspack, CGSA held a department-wide food collection on behalf of the Montgomery County Christmas Store (MCCS). The MCCS is a nonprofit organization that provides a Christmas shopping experience for low-income families in the Montgomery County area. Close to 600 food items were collected and delivered to the MCCS. “We also had the opportunity to volunteer at the Store, setting up the toy section for the kids,” said Courtney Long, CGSA treasurer and service co-chair.

The St. Patrick’s Day social at Warm Hearth Village in Blacksburg offered CGSA members a unique opportunity to interact with residents at the retirement community. 

   

Cookie decorating, Irish jokes and limericks, and a leprechaun word activity were highlights of the social. “It was a lot of fun sitting down and talking with the residents. They have so many stories to share,” said Missy Kaminski, CGSA vice-president.

CGSA’s last service project for the year was the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Team CGSA pitched a tent on the Drillfield and raised a total of $1,020. Matthew VanDyke, CGSA president also placed third in the Wing Eating Contest. 

   

“Relay is one of Tech’s biggest service events. It’s amazing to see the community come together in an effort to fight cancer,” said Rommelyn Conde, CGSA secretary and service co-chair.

CGSA hopes to continue the strong tradition of service in the next year. “The call to service is ingrained in the culture here at Virginia Tech. As an organization, we wanted to make sure that we continue to dedicate time to giving back to the community,” said VanDyke. Visit the CGSA Facebook page for more information.