Updated: 10/4/2009 9:55:43 AM
Hundreds of Jefferson County college students set aside their books and rolled up their sleeves for a day of work.
They fanned out across Jefferson County and beyond as part of Operation Inasmuch, a community service project that happens in several states.
"I just think it's important to get out and get involved in the community and just to get out and help somebody else that needs a hand and just get out and be active in the community," said Adam Tarver, a sophomore at Carson-Newman.
More than 600 Carson-Newman students - more than a quarter of the student population - divided up into about 35 teams and worked at several locations, including a school, senior center and the Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity.
"It's a tremendous help," said Habitat Executive Director Marge Stefaniak said. "Fifteen students in two hours can do almost a week's worth of work in 30 to 40 hours, so a lot gets a accomplished in a short period of time."
Students have helped out Habitat for Humanity for the past three years, but this is the fourth year for the Operation Inasmuch campaign.
One newcomer to the effort was Kay O'Brien, the first lady of Carson-Newman College. Her husband, J. Randall O'Brien, is set to be installed as the school's 22nd president at the end of this month.
"I just tell ya, we have the greatest students," she said. "They are just truly givers, they have hearts of service, and that's why they're out today. They want to be a part of this. It's something that I think they look forward to all fall to be a part of, and it's great for groups on campus to be able to bond together and do things together and serve other people."
The number of students taking part in the effort has grown every year.
Carson-Newman was the first campus to host an Operation Inasmuch event, which happens in several states.
