UCO’s annual Big Event brings volunteer opportunity April 1

One of UCO’s biggest philanthropic events will be happening on April 1st. Big Event is a day that students can go out into their community and help give back to those needing a little extra help this spring. Big Event averages between 600-800 students and 100 service sites each year.

UCO has a number of different opportunities for its students to give back to those in need, but Big Event focuses on giving back to the community that supports UCO unconditionally. Big Event also puts on a smaller version in the fall called Little Event.

“Our mission is to give one big thanks to the OKC Metro/Edmond community for supporting our school,” said Big Event’s executive director, Evelyn Enriquez Baez. “During Little Event 2022, we had over 1,000 hours of service done in the community. Big Event is a great opportunity for organizations, individuals, alumni, and faculty to serve alongside one another, and meet people in the community.”

Sophomore Alysa Andoe has volunteered for the past two years with the organization and shares her experience with it.

“Coming into college volunteering was never something I thought I would want to do during my free time,” Andoe said. “After learning about all of the amazing opportunities UCO has to give back to people in need, my mind has changed. I’ve loved participating in Little and Big Event the past couple of years. It’s one of my favorite ways to volunteer because I get to be with my friends and it makes it fun. Last year we went to a donation center where we helped organize clothes for a donation center, and it felt really good to be giving back to the community in that way.”

Big Event is not only open to students, but it is open to non-student members of the community such as teachers, alumni, and community members. Some of the services that students can help with while participating with Big Event include painting, cleaning, planting, and other activities community members and metro residents may need. Sign up for the event is on UCore.