More than 130 students from The University of Texas-Pan American joined 100 other volunteers from the University staff, Boys and Girls Club members and people from the community to make a big difference at the Alamo/San Juan Boys and Girls Club facility during the national Make a Difference Day Oct. 28. Working together, the volunteers were able to paint the interior of the facility's gymnasium, exterior bleachers and other areas; resurface three pool tables and the exterior basketball court; replace basketball netting and restroom sinks; repair air conditioning units and the public address system; and install a 390-foot fence.
"We made a difference one brush stroke at a time," said UTPA student Melinda Barrera, a Student Leadership Academy member, who volunteered.
"Helping the Boys and Girls Club was a great opportunity to give something to the children of the Valley," said Celina Gilpatrick, a member of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. John-Robert Iruegas, a UTPA Student Government Association member, said the project did more than strengthen the community. "It also strengthened us as individuals," he said.
