By Tiffany Pelt
Texas State  News Intern

Now is the time for local non-profit organizations, churches, schools and community members that need a few extra hands with spring projects to complete job site request forms for  Bobcat Build.
Bobcat Build, Texas State's largest student-run community service project, will focus on larger and more ambitious projects starting with the upcoming event on March 31.
“Now in its fifth year, Bobcat Build features thousands of student volunteers working in teams to improve the San Marcos area,” said Nancy Tunell, student director.
The student planning committee has been working since August to plan for this year’s event. Assisting them has been a community team, working to develop sponsorships, job sites, beautification projects, literacy efforts, and kick-off activities.
“This year, a community team has been formed to assist the students with their goal of fewer, more meaningful job sites,’ said San Marcos Mayor Susan Navariz. “We will focus on fewer work sites and larger projects to have a greater impact in our community.”
For the first time, Bobcat Build is also extending an invitation to San Marcos businesses and community organizations to join the Bobcats by providing volunteers to help in the major beautification projects.
"When we started Bobcat Build five years ago, even we could not imagine how successful it would become," said Texas State President Denise M. Trauth.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am when I look out at that sea of students, ready to work and give something back to this wonderful city where we live.”
From gardening and raking leaves to washing windows or painting, Bobcat Build’s Texas State student volunteers can get the job done in no time!
Job site request forms are due February 2, 2007. Jobsites are evaluated and allotted a certain number of volunteers as well as supplies and materials needed for the job.
Bobcat Build has a limited supply of paints, cleaning materials, and other tools.
Major jobsites already scheduled for 2007 include the Hays County Area Food Bank; Castle Forest/ Franklin Square neighborhood clean up and Craddock beautification; the Eddie Durham Museum/Calaboose Museum; DeZavala Elementary School; the San Marcos Nature Center & Wildlife Habitat Park; City Housing Rehab Program; the San Marcos Animal Shelter; green space clean up; graffiti clean-up; and the San Marcos Public Library.
Bobcat Build sponsor and jobsite, request forms are available at the Texas State Office of Community Relations, located at the Texas State River House or downloaded online at www. txstate.edu/community by clicking on Bobcat Build.
For more information call Community Relations at 245-9645.