![\"Volunteer\"](\"http:\/\/old.covchurch.org\/uploads\/vv\/CC\/vvCCljHE2A0poHvuGhjwLA\/Volunteers-1-TR.jpg\")
In addition to counselors who traveled with youth groups, roughly 200 people came to the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville where they did everything from set up chairs, staff events, and provide security.<\/p>\nKNOXVILLE, TN (July 25, 2006) – They spent hundreds of dollars of their own money, sacrificed vacation time, endured cross-country bus trips, and worked long hours, often barely noticed. Still, the volunteers at CHIC 2006 said they were thrilled for the opportunity to serve.<\/p>\n
In addition to counselors who traveled with youth groups, roughly 200 people came to the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville where they did everything from set up chairs, staff events, and provide security.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did it because I attended CHIC and I just wanted to be part of it again,\u201d said Julie Laudal, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who coordinated an information booth.<\/p>\n
In the CHIC office on campus, a white board listed the seemingly endless opportunities for volunteers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are so many people that when they\u2019re done with their shifts, they ask, \u2018What else can I do?\u2019 \u201d said Laurie Wulff, of New Brighton, Minnesota, who coordinated volunteers. \u201cWithout being asked, they\u2019re folding chairs or doing something else to help. They have a huge heart for hard work.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Volunteer\"](\"http:\/\/old.covchurch.org\/uploads\/6x\/IT\/6xIT5pcqGEczjvGL82rLKw\/Volunteers-3-BR.jpg\")
\u201cIt\u2019s a blessing every time they walk through the door,\u201d said Ben Pease, the youth pastor at Salem Covenant Church in New Brighton, who also was in charge of operations for CHIC. \u201cThey want to be part of something that is bigger than something they could do by themselves. It just stirs a hunger to do more.\u201d<\/p>\n
A residence hall director told Pease he volunteered because, \u201c(CHIC) is an essential ingredient in the glue that keeps the Covenant together.\u201d<\/p>\n
While volunteers expressed their appreciation at being able to serve, Laudal was typical of some who added they would make changes at the next CHIC. Laudal rode 20 hours on a packed bus – one of 22 that left the Mall of America on Saturday evening. \u201cI\u2019ll come back at \u201909, but I probably will fly,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Copyright \u00a9 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.<\/p>\n