By Jessica Lewis, News Editor

The Office of Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services, The Office of Student Leadership and Activities and Hofstra Athletics created an opportunity for Hofstra students to give back to the community of Hempstead.

The program, “Shake A Rake,” was held on Saturday, Nov. 17 and presented students with the opportunity to rake leaves at the houses of residents near the Hofstra campus.

“There has been complaints, noise complaints and parking complaints about students off-campus,” said the Director of Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services Anita Ellis.

The event was open to anyone who wanted to sign up, but the athletes took up all the spots. “I got a nice response from Greeks and athletes and there was about eight students with no affiliation, just sign-ons,” Ellis said.

Ellis has been frequented Civil Association Meetings, allowing more communication between the people in the community and The University. Ellis announced the event at one of these meetings, allowing people to sign up to have the leaves raked at their house.

According to Ellis, the members of the community appreciated this event. One man in particular was very thankful to the students. “I called him to follow up to make sure some of the leaves got picked up, and he was like, ‘thank you so much I would have never done this without the program,'” Ellis said.

The athletes that participated in this event felt that it was a good idea; it promoted team bonding and provided an opportunity for the students to give back. “Our whole baseball team did, and it is good to give back to the community,” said Andrew Rosenberger.

(Jessica Lewis/The Chronicle)