Johnson Bible students get a head start in service

Thousands of Americans will volunteer their time and energy on Friday as part of a national day of service, but Johnson Bible College students rolled up their sleeves and got a head start Wednesday.

Some 700 Johnson Bible students took time away from the classroom to volunteer at 10 projects around Knoxville.

Some worked to help fix a rundown shelter at the Corryton Park in east Knox County. Coordinators said every bit of volunteering helps.

"People are needed to help in our community. We've got people at our parks, sporting programs, and our adopt a park program. We're really trying to show people all the opportunities there are to volunteer," said Ellen Blasius, with Knox County Parks and Recreaction.

In Mechanicsville, a group of 90 students volunteered at Beardsley Community Farm, an urban demonstration and community garden.

"We have 700 volunteers a year, so to have 90 volunteers in one day is really spectacular and we've getting a lot done," said Khann Chov with Beardsley Community Farm.

The volunteers saw benefit in the project as well.

"Learn about it, and be a part of it, and hopefully learn a few skills where I could plant my own vegetables some day," said Johnson Bible College senior Dani Duvall.

Other Johnson Bible students worked on projects at the Office on Aging and Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries.

President Obama signed the "Edward Kennedy Serve America Act" back in April. It officially recognizes September 11 as a national day of service and remembrance.