Partner with Big Red's Blitz
Let's do something BIG
Big Red's Blitz: Partners
Every August, WKU’s newest Hilltoppers are invited to participate in M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan, the university’s five day transition program for new students, which takes place the week before classes begin. During M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan, students attend educational sessions, special events, and social activities all designed to help them successfully transition from home and high school to college at WKU.
One of M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan's featured events is Big Red’s Blitz, where participants “blitz” Bowling Green, completing community service at local non-profit agencies/organizations.
Big Red’s Blitz volunteers, also known as “Blitzers,” are sent out into the community in groups to work alongside Big Red, M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Mentors, and fellow classmates, to complete various service projects. Whether they’re sorting items at The Salvation Army, cleaning up local parks and wooded areas with Bowling Green Public Works, pulling invasive species at Lost River Cave, organizing building materials with Habitat for Humanity, or painting picnic tables at Potter Children’s Home, Blitzers are committed to “getting off the bench” and “doing something big” in their community!
Benefits to Partnering
Agencies/Organizations that serve as Big Red’s Blitz Partners receive volunteer services for up to four hours. During those four hours, partners could share information about, and promote on-going opportunities for service as well.
We often hear stories of students who continue to volunteer with organizations after Big Red’s Blitz. Participating in Big Red’s Blitz as a Partner also provides agencies/organizations the opportunity to collaborate with WKU in the provision of meaningful learning experiences to students.
Big Red's Blitz will take place
August 13, 14, and 15 from 9am-11am
May
Community partners will receive information on how to sign-up for a project.
Partners can commit to hosting projects all three mornings or just one or two.
July
Projects lists will be finalized.
Early August
Emails will be sent to M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan participants' topper email addresses. From here, students can register for the Big Red's Blitz site.
Tuesday, August 12
Participants who sign up should receive an email or text from an assigned Big Red's Blitz site leader with information about their project (s), including attire, address, etc.
Students have the option to sign-up for one or multiple slots over the three days.
August 13, 14, 15- 8:45 AM
Students will walk to projects on or near campus.
Students will have the option to drive to their sites.
Students are encouraged to carpool with new M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan friends.
August 13, 14, 1- 9:00 AM
All students should have arrived to the project site between 8:45 and 9 AM.
August 13, 14, -11:00 AM
All projects will be wrapped-up by 11 AM. Students will return to campus to continue M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan friends.
Indoor Projects
- Paint the inside of a building
- Wash windows, carpets, walls, toys
- Wallpaper a room
- Construct a play gym for children
- Build a coat rack at a shelter or childcare center
- Build a storage shed or shelves for recreational equipment
- Sort and repair organization toys and equipment
- Letter‐writing
- Organize clothing or food pantry
Outdoor Projects
- Plant a garden
- Paint the exterior a building
- Build or repair a wheelchair ramp
- Plant flowers
- Paint picnic tables or park benches
- Repair and clean a camp or play area for children
- Clean and paint fences
- Plan a yard clean‐up: weeding, planting, raking, mulching, pruning shrubs
- Revitalize a playground
- Create a walking trail
- Walk dogs or pet animals
- Neighborhood clean-up
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Complete and submit the Partnership Participation and Project Site form by July 1, 2025.
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Contact Amelia Kolb (amelia.kolb@wku.edu) with any questions regarding the project. We are happy to help you brainstorm ideas!
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Be prepared to have staff members on-site to provide direction and supervise student volunteers.
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Secure any materials needed to complete your project (ex. paint, plants, mulch, building materials, etc.) by either purchasing them or seeking in-kind donations.
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Prepare a back-up project in case of rain.
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Complete the Partnership Evaluation after the project.
Ashley Reynolds, Executive Director
Being a part of Big Red's Blitz has become an annual tradition for Kentucky Kids on the Block. We always have projects, both large and small, that this group completes each year. The group of students is always so impressive, with their work ethic and interest in learning more about our organization. We are hopeful the experience as a young adult motivates them to continue to stay engaged with their community, during college and beyond.
Stephanie Morton, Executive Director
Michele Vise, Executive & Program Director
We look forward to WKU Big Red Blitz each year because it is an opportunity for New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Inc. to show those new to our area about our program and the many volunteer opportunities that we have to offer! The short period of time that they volunteer with us that day makes a huge impact, and we are greatly appreciative of them and their time! We look forward to when they come back to New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Inc. to volunteer more!
The following is an example of what a project site submission might look like:
Partner Name: Community Action of Southern Kentucky
Community Action of Southern Kentucky provides services in 10 counties in south central KY. These include Head Start, Weatherization, Senior Centers, Meals on Wheels, and GO bg transit in Bowling Green.
Project Description: Old fashioned fun community car/bus wash. Detail vehicles for Head Start, Weatherization, Senior Centers, Meals on Wheels, and GO bg transit
Volunteers needed: 4 – 15
In case of rain: 4 - 15
Attire: Wear clothes and shoes to get wet and have fun. Bring a dry change of clothes.
Project location: 304 East 11th Avenue
Contact Person: Ken Meredith
Office Phone: (270) 782-3162 EXT 247
Mobile Phone: (270) 202 –1730
Assistant Director of Leadership & Volunteerism
WKU Student Activities & Organizations
amelia.kolb@wku.edu | (270)745-5791
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