On Saturday, more than 7,000 Bruins volunteered across Los Angeles, providing an estimated 38,000 hours of service to the region’s schools, veterans, homeless shelters and more.

Over 600 organizers and approximately 6,500 new freshmen and transfer students lent a hand at 48 sites for UCLA’s seventh annual Volunteer Day, an event that kicks off the academic career of almost every new Bruin.

Projects included mural painting and beautification at schools and shelters; distribution of school supplies and dental hygiene kits; restoration of nature trails; landscaping; technology tutoring with seniors; and interactive activities with school children.

Chancellor Gene Block joined volunteers at some of the sites, speaking at Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center and Second Street Elementary School. New students bonded, getting to know each other on bus rides to their volunteer sites, while painting or over shovels, and many shared their experiences on social media with the hashtag #BruinsGiveBack. They returned to campus to enjoy the first ServeFest, where they could meet with and join the many service organizations on campus and continue volunteering year-round.

Learn more about UCLA Volunteer Day at www.volunteerday.ucla.edu.