Cosumnes River College kicked off their promotion for student volunteerism and social responsibility by holding a National Student’s Day celebration on Oct. 9.

National Student Day was held by the Social Responsibility Committee in appreciation for all the students and volunteers who give up most of their time, talent and treasure to the campus and community.

“National Student Day is all about getting students to realize their gifts and talents needed for the campus community and emphasize community engagement,” said Heather Hutcheson, English professor and member of the SRC.

In the Hawks Nest Bookstore, speakers such as Jeanne Edmond, psychology professor and a member of the Peace Corp, and Judy Sala, case manager of the Elk Grove Food Bank, spoke about their experiences in giving back and how students could get involved with helping the community.

In front of the bookstore, a table was set up to gather student attention, including a large bin where students could drop off items for the Elk Grove Food Bank. Volunteers encouraged passing students to fill out a paper hand, which would be placed onto a backboard with other paper hands, and write about their favorite or most recent volunteer experience.

In exchange for a paper hand, the volunteers gave students a scratcher card for 20 percent off items in the bookstore and a chance to win in a raffle.

While music was playing in the quad of the campus, both the bookstore and the table were decorated with orange and blue balloons reminding everyone that National Student Day was a celebration.

“I think National Student Day was good because it gives the students encouragement and appreciation for their hard work of the semester,” said Anna Lozano, a 20-year-old sociology major.

Many students saw the celebration as a positive way to gain student recognition.

“People can express what they do in the community and be recognized for it,” said Ashley Shields, a 22-year-old psychology major.

Serena Lee, a 22-year-old business administration major said, “I think it’s [National Student Day] beneficial for students, in a way, for motivation and maybe even financially.”

Hutcheson strongly encourages students to be involved and highlights the importance of how doing just a little something can make a difference.

“Students feel that they have so much to learn that they forget how much [they have] to give,” Hutcheson said.

Hutcheson also said that National Student Day was just a kick-off day to their promotion and that the SRC is collecting canned foods and used items which can be placed in large bins found around the campus.