Community service is becoming one of the hottest trends on college campuses across the state -- and Penn State is no exception.

University organizations have seen a dramatic increase in student volunteers over the past few years.

Lion's Share, an on-campus organization that directs potential volunteers to the agencies that need them, has seen an increase from 160 students during the 1990-91 school year to 425 last fall alone, said graduate assistant John Mitchell (graduate-counselor education).

Susan Reisch, president of the University's Circle K, an international organization that participates in community service projects, said the group won an award last summer for membership growth in their division. The number of volunteer hours donated by Circle K members has gone from 950 hours during the 1992-93 school year to 970 last fall, she said.

The Pennsylvania branch of Campus Contact found that the number of volunteer hours donated by students in the state went from 50,000 to almost 1.6 million in just four years, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Circle K member Jitu Modi has spent many of those hours working with children. He has taught them to ice skate, bowl and play softball, becoming close to them in the process.

"They get to be like little brothers and sisters," said Modi (sophomore-biology).

Judi Curley, the University's coordinator of volunteer programs, said she attributes the upsurge of student volunteerism to politics, economics and a greater awareness of volunteer activities, Curley said.

"President Clinton has emphasized community service in his speeches, but the economy has also played a part," Curley said. "There are fewer internships available and agencies have a greater need for volunteers."

She added that high schools have also played a role by encouraging community service among students.

"There's a different value orientation among students today than there was in the '80s," Curley said. "In the '80s, students were driven to succeed and to concentrate on their own issues, but we are now seeing students with a broader perspective. "

University volunteers in county agencies have increased as well.

"I think it's fair to say that there has been a dramatic increase in student volunteers over the past 10 years," said Virginia Brown, director of the Centre community chapter of the American Red Cross.

Centre Community Hospital has seen so many volunteers that it has had to put some on a waiting list, said Suzanne DeTuerk, director of volunteer services.

For about an hour each week, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity member Liz Greer makes the switch from student to assistant scoutmaster with a mentally handicapped Boy Scout troop. She takes them ice skating, organizes parties for them, and helps them earn their merit badges.

"It's addictive," said Greer (senior-speech communication). "The kids make you feel so special."

Volunteer activities could also help with post-graduation plans.

"It looks very good on a resume," Curley said, adding that more employers these days want people who care about community service.

DeTuerk said she often writes letters of recommendation to medical schools that student volunteers at the hospital wish to attend.