In the tradition of promoting Iowa State through community service projects, the Veishea community service committee is trying to help more than ever before by completing 1,999 hours of work in five months.

This year’s service projects are much different than those in years past, said John Olson, community service coordinator for Veishea.

“It’s been done, but never to this extent before,” said Olson, sophomore in horticulture. “[We’ve been] trying to get a few in every month since December of last year.”

The committee’s projects were chosen by making calls and offering help to various groups in Ames and surrounding communities.

Committee member Ian Kenning said they have done about 25 community service projects so far this year and have completed 1,250 service hours toward their goal.

Olson said the projects were divided among the various Veishea committees by the community service coordinators. He said Veishea members have been involved in a variety of projects, from painting walls to playing elves.

“We got to sit at the mall in the Santa Claus booth and take pictures of the little kids,” Olson said.

Kenning, junior in biology, said he enjoys the different projects.

“We helped out with the Northwood Elementary School Carnival, helping with the various games and kids. I had a really good time,” he said.

Angie Pithan, Veishea public relations co-chairwoman, also enjoyed the Northwood Elementary project.

“It was great interaction between ISU students and the kids at the school,” said Pithan, senior in public service and administration in agriculture.

The reactions from other Veishea committee members also have been positive, Kenning said.

“There’s been an excellent turnout,” he said. “It’s really nice when you get any responses; we’re getting almost too many volunteers.”

Besides being fun, Kenning said the service projects are important because they give Veishea a better image.

“It puts Veishea members out in the community so that the people of Ames and the surrounding area see the help,” he said.

Pithan agreed that the service projects are an important aspect of the celebration.

“It’s a way for us to give back to the Ames community,” she said. “They give so much to us.”

The service projects are a positive aspect of the Veishea celebration, Olson said.

“It promotes a more positive name for Veishea,” he said. “It lets everyone know that we’re trying to do work for them also.”