Hundreds of Bridgewater College students participated in a day of service that took place in Bridgewater, Harrisonburg and the surrounding communities.

The service effort, called "Into The Streets", is part of the college's freshman curriculum.

"The day of service springs from Bridgewater's mission and focuses on making students aware that service to humanity is part of being a citizen," says William Miracle, dean of students. "There's a difference between community service and service-learning. You can rake leaves and perform community service, but service-learning requires the kind of personal contribution that fosters reflection on what you've done, how it has changed you and what it means to the community."

On Thursday, 500 students participated, including a group that played games with intellectually disabled clients at the Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

"It's so rewarding. You like to know your help is appreciated and that people want you there," says Bethanie Tlover, a freshman at Bridgewater College, who played bingo with a client at The Arc.

"It's good to get the experience, and it does feel good. You feel good for helping. They're a lot of fun, everybody is so much fun to hang out with, and they appreciate our energy," says Stacy Linthicum, another freshman at Bridgewater College, who played physical education games with clients at The Arc.

The students volunteered at other local agencies such as Habitat for Humanity, Mercy House, Salvation Army, local schools and camps, Bridgewater Rescue Squad, and others.