University of Virginia Library

Operation SCRUB Initiates
Campaign For Volunteers

By TOM TANTON

Madison Hall will be testing
a more efficient way of
contacting volunteers for
Operation SCRUB during the
second semester, third-year
man, Dennis Moyer, project
chairman, announced
yesterday.

Volunteers help with
various aspects of construction
and renewal including
masonry, carpentry, and
plumbing. The work is done
primarily in low-income areas
of the city, and always after
this service has been requested
by the owners.

'Housing Rehabilitation'

Mr. Moyer explained that
Operation SCRUB is, basically
a "housing rehabilitation
project." It was started in 1969
as a result of the damage to
Nelson County by Hurricane
Camille.

Since that time, the
program has increased in size
and perspective, so that now
there are more than 140
volunteers working on various
buildings through out the city.

The Big Brother-Big Sister
programs also need additional
help.

The program stresses
"developing a one-to-one
relationship with a youth
between the ages of five and
17, who lacks adult guidance at
home or who is in some way
deprived by his surroundings,"
said Mollie Lawson, the
Publicity Director.

"There are no requirements
for volunteers, however, they
must be interviewed by the
director before entering the
program, and are then matched
with youths that have the same
interests as the volunteer," she
explained.

Relationships

The Companionship
Therapy program stresses both
one-to-one and group
relationships.

"Volunteers will go to
institutions throughout the
area, such as Western State
hospital and Bloomfield
School, and initiate group
activities and outings,"
explained Mrs. Lawson.

The Consumer Information
Services fills the lack of a city
better business bureau.
Students man phones at
Madison Hall from 9–12 a.m.
Monday through Friday to
handle complaints from area
residents concerning city and
country businesses.

Last semester 1,000 student
volunteers were actively
involved in community service.