TU Students Give Back To Community

Giving back to the community was the focus on Saturday for hundreds of University of Tulsa students.  It was the first ever TU Service Day.  The News On 6's Dan Bewley reports nearly 700 TU students fanned out across the city with the goal to show that students care about the community.

From outside in the cold to inside under the lights.  TU students took a day off from the books.  

"We recognize there are people in the community that need our help and it's our responsibility to go out and to do so," said Katarina Haukaas.

Drawing murals for elementary school kids.

"We have people in six different types of activities," said Laura Hermann.

Or helping to plant a tree.

"Some of the best things the neighborhood has had happen to it in a long time," said Tulsa resident Gloria Wolcott.

It's the inaugural TU Service Day. 

"As students at the university, even if we're from different cities, we're part of the Tulsa community so we have an obligation to give back," said Hermann.

Besides artwork or putting up with trees, the students took kids to the zoo, visited the elderly, and even helped Habitat for Humanity. The mission is to put the fun in community service in hopes it sticks with the students beyond their college years.

"I really hope students come out of this saying, 'I should be involved in my community, I should take an active role,'" said Hermann.

Many say that shouldn't be a problem adding they get just as much in return when putting out a helping hand.

Organizers say the day was so successful they hope to do it again next year.