Taus volunteer for local Bowl ‘N’ Bop event

THETA ZETA (Southern Illinois)–For years, the annual Bowl ‘N’ Bop event has given people with disabilities an opportunity to have a day of fun. A huge part of that success is the group of volunteers. That includes college students doing their part to lend a helping hand.

It’s a day of bowling and dancing that has been going on for nearly 25 years. The Bowl ‘N’ Bop has allowed people of all ages with intellectual disabilities a chance to make new friends and reunite with old ones.

This day is especially important to the students because it gives them a chance to just be themselves.

“They have as much fun as the adults. The adults love socializing with the younger guys, and they help take care of them,” said volunteer Verna Webb.

But they’re not the only students participating. SIU’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity volunteer their time to help wherever needed.

“Just the look on all these kids faces, you know. You really feel like you’re doing something good with this community service, and it’s just something we feel really good about,” said former Alpha Tau Omega president Eddie Farrer.

This is the second year the fraternity has volunteered. Farrer said this is an organization they will continue to help and co-sponsor.

“I’ve never seen a group of gentlemen come in that have never worked with people with disabilities be so natural at it,” shared Bowl ‘N’ Bop director Lindsey Radcliffe.

Radcliffe said she’s happy to see this event has such an impact on the participants and the volunteers.

“One of the really neat things about it is, last year after that day, a couple of the guys came up and talked to me and said, ‘I want to change my major and help people with disabilities,'” expressed Radcliffe.

Farrer says he’s learned it’s the simple things in life we take for granted.

“What makes them happy? Just a simple day of bowling and dancing. It really puts life in perspective for us,” said Farrer.

The Bowl ‘N’ Bop committee is always looking for more volunteers and sponsors.

*Original article credited to WSILTV.com [VIDEO]: http://go.ato.org/115P2aY