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Tar Heel Service Day

While we are socially distancing, we can still make a difference. Celebrate the University’s 277th birthday with us the week of Oct. 12 as we further the mission of the University through service. We’re excited to offer two ways you can give back – Tar Heel Service Day: 5k Virtual Fun Run and Tar Heel Service Day: Contactless Service Project. Show the world what an incredible impact Tar Heels can make as we #ServeCarolina.

Tar Heel Service Day: 5k Virtual Fun Run

The week of Oct. 12, we’re encouraging Tar Heels around the world to run or walk 5k (3.1 miles) to benefit your favorite UNC-related cause. You get to set the time, course and speed (although we’d love to help with the soundtrack). See how you can get the official bib, T-shirt and more.

Select your participation level, and choose one of the UNC benefiting causes you’d like to support. All proceeds directly support your selected organization. After your walk or run, post a picture of yourself on social media using the hashtag #TarHeelServiceDay5k. GAA members will receive a Tar Heel Service Day mini-pennant when they register.

Sign Up for Run

5k Virtual Fun Run - Participation Levels

Bell Tower, $15

  • Tar Heel Service Day 5k bib to print at home
  • $15 donation directly to the organization of your choice
  • Sign up any time before Oct. 17

Old Well, $30

  • Tar Heel Service Day: Virtual 5k Fun Run T-shirt
  • Tar Heel Service Day 5k bib to print at home
  • $15 of your registration will be donated directly to the organization of your choice

Please note, due to service impacts to USPS, we cannot guarantee you will get your T-shirt prior to Oct. 12.

5k Virtual Fun Run - UNC Benefiting Causes

Want to support more than one organization? Make an additional donation(s). 

Tar Heel Service Day: Contactless Service Project

Although this year is different, our Tar Heel spirit to lend a hand hasn’t changed. Whether that is making masks, delivering meals to those in need or any one of our contactless service project suggestions (see below), you can still do a lot this Tar Heel Service Day individually or with your personal circle. 

All projects from Oct. 12-18 will be recognized. We ask that your projects are completed at a safe social distance. Sign up for a project, and we’ll send you the official Tar Heel Service Day tote. Plus, the first 200 Tar Heels to sign up get extra swag mailed their way.

Check out what other Tar Heels are doing for their Contactless Service Projects (coming soon).

Sign Up a Project

Contactless Service Project Suggestions

  • Call an older alumnus, and learn about their time at Carolina
  • Clean up trash from a highway, park, sidewalk, beach or other public area
  • Collect or cook meals for those in need
  • Collect pet food and donate to an animal shelter
  • Donate blood
  • Donate school supplies to your local schools
  • Donate time to a local nonprofit needing virtual help
  • Help an elderly neighbor with house or lawn work from a safe distance
  • Knit hats for chemotherapy patients
  • Lead a virtual yoga, Zumba or exercise class for your community
  • Make a quilt to give to an elderly person
  • Make care packages to send to soldiers
  • Pick up donations from people in your community and deliver to the Salvation Army or Goodwill
  • Plant trees or flowers in your local community
  • Sponsor a virtual donation drive for a local nonprofit
  • Virtually tutor a student in need

Got some other ideas? Email servecarolina@unc.edu, and we’ll add them to the list.

Learn more about what Carolina is doing in public service and engagement throughout the year. Check out the UNC Center for Public Service’s website, or follow along with them on Facebook.

Point of Contact
Jack Ahern
Coordinator of Alumni Networking and Outreach
919-962-3582
read my bio

Jack joined the GAA in January 2018 and focuses on club scholarships, career services and outreach. He loves connecting people and helping them reach their goals. In his free time, Jack enjoys hiking with his dog while listening to his favorite podcasts. Jack is also on an epic quest to find N.C.’s best cheeseburger.

Anna Brooks Whichard '10
Coordinator of Outreach for Alumni, Clubs and Families
919-843-5115
Joe Petrizzi '13
Coordinator of Outreach for Alumni, Clubs and Families
919-962-6705