By Erin Ratigan/tr news editor

The YWCA of Fort Worth will become more colorful May 9 after volunteers from the TR Campus student organization Manos y Manas paint a mural at noon.

Students are invited to participate, regardless of club membership.

Club founder and co-president Gabriel Saenz said the group arranged the project after members volunteered at the YWCA on TR Day of Service.

“During the clean-up, we started to talk to the site supervisor, and she mentioned that they have been interested [in painting a mural] for some time,” he said. “We saw this as a great opportunity and decided to volunteer.”

The mural is intended to be kid-friendly, and Saenz said designs will likely include butterflies, ladybugs and large flowers.

“Because we will paint the mural on a Friday, we are thinking about asking YWCA if they might let the kids paint their hands on the wall,” he said.

“They will feel like they participated, like they left their mark and hopefully encourage school pride.”

Formed in March, Manos y Manas is one of the newer student organizations on TR. However, Saenz said members are eager to make themselves known both on and off campus.

“Other than the Cinco de Mayo movie showing, this will be our first community event,” he said.

“Nonetheless, we plan to continue to actively seek opportunities to participate and be active in our community.”

He said service projects are important because they allow students to improve their leadership skills.

“Being active in your community speaks a lot of a person’s character, their courage and determination, and that’s exactly what these universities are looking for,” he said.

“Anybody can make good grades, but it takes a special type of person to put himself or herself out there and give back to their community.”

Volunteers are advised to wear comfortable clothes. After completing the project, students can have lunch at a club-hosted cookout.