SARAH HUERTA
Staff Writer
Blue and orange balloons and banners decorated campus Saturday as Homecoming activities put everyone in a festive mood. The celebrations brought together students, staff, faculty and alumni as well as 25 kids from the Los Angeles Hillview Acres home for abused children.
“Hillview Acres Day gives these kids a chance to have fun and escape from the harsh realities of their daily lives,” said junior Amanda Dudley, PVC Special Events Coordinator. “The Volunteer Center strives to create a positive atmosphere where these kids can feel safe and have hope for their futures.”
The PVC has been organizing Hillview Acres Day every year for as far back as most can remember. Hillview Acres is a safe haven in the Los Angeles area for children and teens who come from physically, mentally and sexually abusive homes. The home provides counseling and therapy for mistreated children while giving them a safe place to live and encouraging them to continue and complete their education.
The Pepperdine Volunteer Center plans Hillview Acres Day every year during Homecoming and recruits student volunteers to spend the day with the kids. This year, 25 students volunteered their Saturday mornings mentoring and playing with the children. Each student or “College Buddy” was paired up with a child to guide them through all of the day’s exciting events.
Special booths were set up for the Hillview Acres children. Panhellenic organized a candy walk, the film society drew caricatures of the kids and a huge moon bounce was set up next to Elkins Auditorium. The children also participated in Homecoming events, such as the Bungee Run and the blow-up boxing ring, and watched the lip sync put on by the Greek organizations.
Students who volunteered said their time has a great impact on the children because the kids really look up to them. They can provide examples of great role models and get the chance to mentor and really make a difference in the kid’s lives.
“These kids really need attention and love,” said junior volunteer and PVC employee Lera Danley. “Hillview Acres Day provides us with a rare and unique opportunity to reach out to these children. The kids get a lot out of it and it’s a very rewarding feeling to know that you have made a difference. What better way to spend your Saturday morning?”
02-17-2005