Days of Service kit and resources

Register your service opportunity by March 21 for a chance to win a free meal for your volunteer team!

Ready to make a positive impact in your community but unable to participate in other Days of Service events?

Gather your friends and take the lead in organizing a service activity. Whether you’re helping out at a local shelter, cleaning up a park or creating care packages for those in need, the possibilities are endless — and the impact is incredible!

After you register, you’ll receive an email with links to download resources to help you organize, manage and promote your activity.

Let us know what you’re doing by Friday, March 21 for a chance to win free breakfast or lunch for your team! We’ll also randomly select Buckeye volunteers to receive fun Buckeye surprises. Check out the FAQ section below for more information.

It’s easy to make a difference when you’re in the company of Buckeyes. Together, let’s create lasting change and build stronger communities.

Frequently asked questions

What is this?

From April 1–15, 2025, Buckeyes are coming together to participate in "Buckeye Days of Service," a campaign aimed at making a meaningful impact in local communities. While our individual reach may be limited, our collective impact knows no bounds. Rally your friends and be part of something bigger than yourself.

What types of service activities can we do? 

Every act of service opens new doors for change. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Create cards for nursing homes or hospitals
• Organize a park clean-up
• Walk dogs at a local animal shelter
• Pack bags of essentials for people experiencing homelessness
• Re-alphabetize books at your local library
• Host a used eyeglasses drive with donations going to The Ohio State University School of Optometry

When should I host my activity?

 We encourage service activities to take place between April 1–15, 2025.

What are my responsibilities as the organizer? 

As the organizer, you’ll select the activity and gather your friends or family to join in. If you’re partnering with a local nonprofit or organization, be sure to reach out in advance to understand any specific guidelines or restrictions. Make sure there’s enough space to complete the activity and, if needed, ask others to bring supplies. On the day of your event, help keep everyone focused and engaged. Afterward, be sure to deliver any collected items (if applicable) and share your experience with us!

Hosting a service activity should feel rewarding and empowering, not stressful. Start with a simple idea and invite a few friends to join you! 

What support will I receive? 

We’ve put together a digital resource bundle full of helpful tips and tools. If you register by March 21, you’ll also receive some exclusive Buckeye swag to share with your volunteers—and a special gift for you as the organizer! Additionally, groups who register by this date will be entered for a chance to win up to $150 to cover breakfast, lunch or refreshments for your volunteers during their service activity.

Do all participants need to be Ohio State alumni? 

No! We welcome anyone who loves scarlet and gray to participate.

What is the minimum and maximum group size? 

There are no set limits on group size. Most projects will involve around 3-10 people, but you can adjust based on your preferences. Consider gathering a few friends or neighbors and hosting the event in your home or a local park. While larger groups are great, they may require more resources and planning.

Can kids participate? 

Absolutely! Kids are welcome to join as long as they’re volunteering alongside a parent or guardian. Buckeyes of all ages are encouraged to participate.

What do I do after my project is over? 

We’d love to hear about your experience and see photos! Please tag us on social using #BuckeyesGive. You’ll also receive a survey from us in mid-April so we can measure our collective impact!

How do I get started?

1. Fill out the registration form. To get started, we just need your name, the date of your project, what type of service project you plan to do and the estimated number of people. Be sure to sign up by March 21 to receive your Buckeye swag and be entered for the opportunity to win free lunch, breakfast or refreshments for 10.
2. Start planning!  
3. As the event nears, you’ll receive an email from us asking for confirmed details and participants. This allows us to track the cumulative impact Buckeyes are making!
4. Host your event sometime between April 1–15, 2025.
5. Let us know how it went! Keep an eye out for a survey from us.

What if I have additional questions?

Email us at ADV-OSUAAprograms@osu.edu.