Hundreds of WVSOM volunteer for annual Day of Service

LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Students kicked off the academic year last month by giving back for the school’s annual Day of Service.

WVSOM reports that, on July 27, 2024, over 260 first and second-year students participating in volunteer work across over a dozen locations in the Lewisburg and greater Greenbrier County area. This included the leveling of gravel and cleaning of stables at the State Fair of West Virginia grounds.

Students also built planter boxes for use by the West Virginia State as part of an upcoming community garden, as well as organizing books for an upcoming Greenbrier County Public Library book fair.

WVSOM Class of 2027 student, Jayden Dailey assisted in the organizing of the event as the Student Government Association Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health (T.O.U.C.H) coordinator. Dailey stated that the event allows students to give back to their communities while gathering valuable knowledge of the patient population throughout the state.

“This deeply inspiring event unites the student body and the local community. Volunteering creates a ripple effect, enhancing lives, fostering connections, and contributing to the greater good in ways that extend beyond the task at hand,” said Dailey. “This year, each student’s contribution made a meaningful difference, embodying WVSOM’s mission.”

The students also engaged in the cleaning of cages for the Greenbrier Humane Society along with the bathing and walking of animals as part of the Day of Service event. Students installed signage along the Greenbrier River Trail as well, and tended to a Montwell Commons community garden.

Associate Dean for Multicultural and Student Affairs for the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Dawn Robers, Ed.D., expressed satisfaction at having seen such a great number of students making contributions to local organizations that required assistance with physical work.

“I’m proud of our students for their outstanding participation. They demonstrated remarkable dedication and compassion by volunteering their time and skills,” she said of the students’ Day of Service contributions. “The enthusiasm shown by everyone involved has made a lasting positive impact on our community.