Spending time with seniors, visiting patients in the hospital, helping with spring cleanup — these are a few of the assignments on the list for The University of Toledo’s Big Event.

The largest student-run service project will take place Saturday, March 23.

More than 1,000 University students, faculty, staff and alumni are expected to pitch in this year across the Toledo area.

“It is inspiring to see participants come together from all backgrounds to make a difference in the city we all have the privilege to call home during our time at the University,” Tara Roeder, a senior majoring in accounting and director of the Big Event, said.

Volunteers can check in starting at 9 a.m. at the Student Recreation Center. An opening ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. and feature two speakers: Ken Leslie, founder of Veterans Matter and 1 Matters, and University alumnus Matt Rubin, president and CEO of Crane Development Ltd. in Toledo, who was involved with the Big Event when he was a student.

The Big Event provides University students a chance to show their appreciation and give back to surrounding communities by completing service projects.

University volunteers will be assigned to more than 50 locations in the area, according to Dylan Vonderhuevel, a senior majoring in pre-med biology and director of job sites for the Big Event.

Locations include:

• Toledo Bikes! at 1114 Washington St. to help repair recycled bicycles at the nonprofit organization from noon to 2 p.m.
• UToledo’s Stranahan Arboretum at 4131 Tantara Dr. from noon to 2 p.m. to clean up damage sustained from the winter’s ice storm.

“I realize I’ve been very lucky to grow up with the family I have and be able to attend college, so I have always wanted to help others who have been less fortunate,” Vonderhuevel said.

“I hope participants leave this event inspired and with a newfound or renewed passion for service,” Roeder said.