In an attempt to get more freshman involved with the university as a whole, the Iowa State Freshman Council is hoping to launch at least one class-wide philanthropy project this spring.

Ian Kenning, Freshman Council philanthropy co-chair, said the council hopes the philanthropy project will provide the opportunity for the freshman class to come together.

Jen Peyser, Freshman Council philanthropy co-chair, said the idea for the project was brainstormed at the council’s executive meeting.

Kenning, sophomore in biology and pre-med and a first-year student at ISU, said the council is hoping to do more than one philanthropy effort, but because of this semester’s schedule, which includes Veishea and Greek Week, time constraints may force it to only have one.

The “big” philanthropy project, Kenning said, is a Habitat for Humanity project that will take place on April 11. The group plans to renovate a duplex on Wilson Street in Ames.

Kenning said about 15 to 20 people have already committed to the project, but that most are members of Freshman Council.

“In the past, it’s been mainly just FC members doing [the projects], but we’re opening up a bit,” Kenning said. “We would have liked more [involvement], if possible.”

Kenning compared doing community service for Habitat for Humanity to “me and my buddies going out there and working in the yard.”

Peyser, freshman in environmental science and French, said this project would be a good project for freshman interested in doing future charity projects.

Peyser said she has enjoyed working for Habitat for Humanity in the past, calling it a “concrete” experience.

“You do the work, and you really have something to show for it,” she said. “You [feel] like you’ve accomplished something.”

Kenning said he does not know how many people will end up participating in the project, but he is hoping for about 30 students.

“We’re really pleased with the response I’ve gotten from my friends,” Kenning said.

He said lunch will be provided for the volunteers during the day. “All we need are gloves, and a little man-power and woman-power.”

Freshman Council usually does a fall philanthropy involving the Beloit Children’s House and also tries to do several charity projects throughout the year. Kenning said the council is hoping to get the word out about the project through word of mouth and an article in Fresh Voice, the Freshman Council newsletter.

Kenning emphasized that the council wants this project to be “freshman-wide,” and he said all students, regardless of where they live, should help out.

“We’re all helping out in the same cause,” he said. “Heck, anyone who wants to help can pitch in.”

For students interested in joining the freshman philanthropy, further information can be obtained by e-mailing Kenning at [email protected].