The Reach Out, a new student organization on campus is working to involve students in service and outreach.

“The Reach Out is a community service organization focused on outreach in the surrounding areas of Kent State,” said Gabrielle Dancy, a sophomore fashion merchandise major and founder of the organization.

Dancy said she noticed a lack of consistent community service in other organizations she was involved in, which led to the creation of The Reach Out.

“I can’t complain about the lack of service that there is if I’m not going to do something about it,” Dancy said. “So, I just decided that I am going to start my own org.”

Tinesha Hayes, the vice president of The Reach Out, said she was very excited about the opportunity of being involved, as the organization is aiming to be a place where members can come and pursue their own volunteer interests.

“We do incorporate your ideas, so whatever you want to do just bring it to us and we’ll try to bring those ideas into a reality,” said Hayes, a sophomore human development and family studies major. “It’s not just about what we want to do or how we want to give back.”

So far, The Reach Out has done volunteer work at the Center of Hope and Goodwill.

“Wherever volunteer work is needed that’s where we want to be,” Dancy said.

Jenell Martinez, a sophomore human development and family studies major, is a member of The Reach out, and is looking forward to building a bond with the other members of the organization.

“For me, it’s a good opportunity to come closer to my fellow classmates while being able to do something that is selfless,” Martinez said.

Aside from doing volunteer work outside of campus, The Reach Out plans to collaborate with students on campus.

“We’re trying to plan to have a fair,” Dancy said. “We want to have different student orgs and companies have their tables and advertise themselves.”

The Reach out meets every other Tuesday and every other Saturday in the Student Center.

Jada Miles is the student life reporter. Contact her at [email protected].