Rain did not stop a group of volunteers from sacrificing their Saturday to give back to the community during the University’s first Women’s History Month community service project. The rain poured, but the women continued working. They painted, cleaned and landscaped the Sweet Dreams Shelter – a shelter for homeless women and children. Community University Partnership and the Women’s Center worked together to sponsor the event. Brandon Smith, community affairs liaison for CUP, said it is always a good time to give back to the community. “In collaborating with the Women’s Center, we said, ‘Why not give back to the community in a way that directly affects women?'” Smith said. More than 40 women volunteered Saturday. Amanda Gulino, psychology junior and service coordinator for CUP, said she wanted to get more women involved during Women’s History Month. “I don’t really feel like we know a lot about the struggles we used to have,” Gulino said. “A lot of students in college don’t really know there are women still struggling … and I wanted people to recognize that and do something about it.” Gulino said there are still women who are abused by their husbands and kicked out of their homes. She said the Sweet Dreams Shelter is a place women can go for help. Israel Garcia, special projects director for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, said the University’s work at the shelter is great help and will help the people his group serves feel more comfortable at the shelter. “It’s spring sprucing,” Garcia said. “If one thing gets accomplished, we’re one thing ahead than we were yesterday.” Kristen Kelsch, architecture graduate student, said she does not have many opportunities to help the community as an architecture student but saw the project as a good way to give back. She said what the University was doing allowed the shelter to “cross something off their list – one less thing to do.” Dana Dolliole, finance freshman, said she enjoys knowing she gave back to the community. “They’ll be comforted in knowing there are people who care,” Dolliole said. “It’ll lift their spirit.” Marcelle Boudreaux, architecture graduate student, said people should do more community service. “It’s good work … and it’s good to get out and help someone,” Boudreaux said. Shirley Chinn, a manager at the Sweet Dreams Shelter, said the participants’ work was important. “I appreciate the service LSU is doing because we really need it,” Chinn said. “First impressions outside let people know what’s going on inside.”