Indiana State University Newsroom

Dozens of Indiana State university students gave up part of their lunch hour Wednesday to write thank you cards to local police officers, firefighters, veterans and active duty service members.

"I think it is important because first responders don't get credit for what they do," said Tayla Tulloch of Fort Wayne, a freshman chemistry major. "They risk their lives every day for everyone and I don't think they get enough credit. I think this is awesome because we are saying that we care that they save our lives; I think they are awesome."

Indiana State's Center for Community Engagement and the American Democracy Project sponsor "Stop and Serve" events as a way of showing students they can make a difference by spending only a few minutes of their time doing something for the community, said Patrick Newsham, program coordinator for the center.

"It's a way students can do a quick service project and this case they can send a message to first responders," he said. "Usually we have some kind of project for around five minutes so it is a way that you can do some community service even if your schedule is very busy."

The first Stop and Serve event of the 2013-14 school year was a way to remind everyone of the 12th anniversary of terrorist attacks that affected America, Newsham said.

"This event is a way they can give back to the first responders," he said.More than 100 students participated in th "Stop and Serve" event. In 2001, Congress designated Sept. 11 as Patriot Day and in 2009 made the date a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The "Stop and Serve" events are held twice each month, on the second and fourth Wednesdays.

"Hopefully, students who are interested in more service can come to our office and we can may find a nonprofit or some sort of service for them to be a part of," said Newsham

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/Events/Events-by-Year/2013/Stop-and-Serve/i-H3QrcsC/0/L/September%2011%2C%202013%20stop%20and%20serve%203933-L.jpg - Indiana State University students line up to sign "thank you" cards for police, firefighters and service members during a "Stop and Serve" event Sept. 11, 2013. (ISU/Rachel Keyes)

Contact: Patrick Newsham, program coordinator, Center for Community Engagement, Indiana State University, 812-237-4491 or Patrick.newsham@indstate.edu

Writer: Beth Pickerill, media relations assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3773.