LAKELAND(Jan. 27, 2012) – Florida Southern College students are preparing for a week of service to the community, with projects ranging from providing food to the homeless to raising awareness about human trafficking.

The ninth annual Week of Impact, Jan. 30-Feb. 4, is sponsored by the FSC Student Government Association. The SGA has arranged for an opportunity each day of the week for students to serve others in a coordinated effort. Student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, clubs, and athletic teams will participate in these projects to show their commitment to service.

On Jan. 31, students will participate in a gleaning project, collecting oranges from a privately owned grove. The oranges will be picked, bagged and delivered to local homeless shelters and the Baptist Children's Home. The project will be overseen by the Society of St. Andrew, a local organization that specializes gleaning fresh produce for donation to charities.

On Feb. 4, students will spend the morning helping the local chapter of Campfire USA, improving the grounds of their facilities.

Other projects during the week include collecting Gatorade for the Sandwich Ministry, a feeding program for the homeless run by the FSC Campus Ministry; creating Valentine's Day cards for residents of the Florida Presbyterian Homes; and running a coffeehouse, with the proceeds donated to the International Justice Mission, which raises awareness of the problem of human trafficking.

The student organization that demonstrates the highest level of commitment will be  awarded $500 by SGA to donate to a philanthropy of its choice.

The Student Government Association feels that it is important for the student body of Florida Southern to practice service and to give back to our community, said Ashley Renee Gibson, SGA Vice President of Community Service and Public Relations. SGA recognizes that our campus organizations volunteer countless hours and donate considerable amounts throughout the year, but an entire week dedicated to service is a unique tradition that we hope current and future Mocs continue for many years to come.