Frosh head 'Into the Streets'

and Ben Hammer Six years ago, any freshman interested in performing community service had a long road ahead of him. Phone calls, endless hours in the waiting rooms of understaffed charity and community organizations and a substantial expenditure of personal energy were all par for the course. The University identified this problem and created "Into the Streets," a program designed to introduce freshmen to community service early in their college careers. Now in its fifth year, "Into the Streets" has become a resounding success. Saturday, more than 1,000 freshmen will join their residential advisors and head into the streets of West Philadelphia to perform community service. Forty-three local organizations will utilize the student volunteers, ranging from the American Friends Service Committee -- where students will sort, fold and pack clothes for shipment -- to Youth Are Resources, where students will run a carnival for more than 250 kids. Jobs range from more typical maintenance and food-serving chores to playing with children at a Boys Club picnic. The maintenance jobs include making improvements to the Anderson Elementary School at 61st Street and Cobbs Creek Parkway and repainting the Stenton Family Manor in northeast Philadelphia, a homeless rescue shelter. Students will also serve on many graffiti removal projects and block clean-ups. The Anti-Graffiti Network, Horizon House, New Ralston House and the Ronald McDonald House will all be staffed with student volunteers as well. Last year, the Schuylkill River Development Council drew the most students. Mayor Ed Rendell, a 1965 College graduate, is scheduled to address the participants for the second consecutive year Saturday.

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