Western sophomore Rachel Weiderman is getting her hands dirty to help the Habitat for Humanity's ReStore prepare for its grand-opening.

"I've never done community service before, but I've always wanted to", said Rachel.

Now Rachel has the chance to volunteer as part of Big Red's Blitz Community Service Day.

"There's always that distinction and that line between the community and the university and I feel that this event brings those two closer together", said Cheryl Kirby Stokes, the director of the ALIVE Center.

The students attending M.A.S.T.E.R Plan had the option of signing up for different community service opportunities.

Those with the ALIVE Center say they're hoping the spirit of providing community service will stay with the students beyond their college days.

"We're trying to build life-long volunteerism, so if they get out there in the community, they participate in this one day of community service it might inspire them to try different types of volunteer work."

As for Rachel, she says she's enjoying her first community service experience and hopes to continue to volunteer.

For more information on the ALIVE Center you can log onto http://www.alivebg.org/