BYU Service Squad

Mormon students at Brigham Young University engage in “random acts of kindness” for an hour a week as part of their activity in BYU’s Service Squad. Whether it’s garbage bags needing a haul, or lightening a student’s load by performing a deed on their doorstep, students participating in BYUSA’s Service Squad forget themselves and go to work for others during this dedicated hour each week.

Regulars and newcomers are welcome to participate and enjoy the gratitude and rewards as unsuspecting peers respond when volunteers show up at their doors in orange shirts offering to help with simple acts of service.

According to the program director, Ashley Pearl, BYUSA’s Service Squad group meets every Wednesday night outside the student government office before splitting up into groups to visit on-and off-campus housing, looking for spontaneous ways to aid and assist others.

Vomocil, an actuarial science student from Marshfield, Wisconsin., and Lopez, Vomocil’s roommate and a pre-acting major from Honolulu, Hawaii, caught the contagion. Apparently, the Service Squad showed up on their doorstep one semester, and as a result,Vomocil decided to personally volunteer with the group.

“It was just a good time,” he said. “Even doing something simple like taking out the trash … you can make somebody a little happier.”

Kearl said Service Squad provides an easy way for students to get involved. “It’s only an hour a week,” she said. “It’s short and sweet. You just show up.” Students can volunteer when they have time, assist in planning or take specific roles within the Service Squad, she said.

This semester, the Service Squad will offer a date night, a dinner and occasional treats. Volunteers will also be working with BYU wards to identify specific needs, Kearl said. “We’re always looking for new ways to serve people,” she said.

The Service Squad meets at 7 p.m. every Wednesday outside WSC 3400 and welcomes volunteers.