In the coming weeks, Trinity students will have the opportunity to be selected for the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their hours of community service either as an individual or in groups.

Awards vary depending on the number of hours a student or group spends volunteering, and recipients of the award receive several prizes, including a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States.

Edwin Blanton, coordinator for community service and engagement, is the university’s primary staff member involved in the application process for the award. Blanton encourages students to log their volunteer hours in order to qualify for eligibility.

“Students can log their volunteer hours on GiveGab.com,” Blanton said.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a nationwide award program, in which Trinity is participating for the first time this year. Trinity faculty and staff encourage volunteering.

“We encourage volunteering at Trinity because it has been proven that adults who volunteer are happier and more civically engaged,” Blanton said. “Students that volunteer now will most likely volunteer as adults and will be happier and more productive.”

The applications are evaluated in December, so students or groups wishing to apply should be sure their hours are updated and accurate on GiveGab.com.