The Baylor Lariat

Freshman of line camp group 5 participate in a community “Steppin’ Out” service project by planting crops in the community garden at St. Luke’s Church at 117 East Church Street on July 26, 2012.
Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor

Amando Dominick

Staff Writer

Once again Baylor students are stepping up to help the community.

On Saturday, Baylor students will head to various locations in Waco to volunteer for Steppin’ Out, a biannual day of service in its 27th year in which Baylor students serve the surrounding community.

More than 2,750 students from 102 student organizations will help at more than 55 sites across the Waco area.

Following Steppin’ Out will be Block Party, which includes food, music, live entertainment, inflatables, sports and various carnival-style games and activities open to both Baylor students and Waco residents.

“It’s a really chill afternoon for community members to come and hang out with Baylor students,” said Taiwan junior Janice Wong who handles public relations for Steppin’ Out.

Steppin’ Out will occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Block Party will occur from 2 to 5 p.m at Dewey Park on Ninth Street and Bosque Boulevard In the past, Block Party used to be held on campus, but this year Wong said they chose to have it off-campus because the point of Steppin’ Out is to form positive connections with the Waco community.

One place students will volunteer during the event is the Sunny Day Center, an adult day care facility. Those who participate at this location will paint a house, perform yard work as well as other helpful chores for the residents of the community.

Another location of service is the Lake Air Montessori Magnet School, where students will paint outdoor recess areas, unpack science materials and inventory them in science labs and paint dividing lines down sidewalks outside of the school.

Wong said it is too late to register to volunteer for Steppin’ Out, but those interested in helping can still show up at the Block Party and volunteer to play with children in group games and help with face painting and other activities.

Those who want to help at Block Party need to show up at the event early, locate event coordinators and inform them of their desire to serve.

Those interested in volunteering for the spring portion of Steppin’ Out can visit baylor.edu/engage and register either as an individual or part of a group or organization.