Out of the many campus organizations and clubs at Wichita State, it’s safe to say that Wu Crew is one of Ted Ayres’ favorites. It’s something he has been involved in from its beginning.

Wu Crew is a volunteer organization made up of WSU students.

Ayres is WSU’s vice president and general counsel. He has also been a part of Wu Crew since it was founded in 2008.

Ayres said that the Wu Crew formed after a notice was posted around WSU that the Lord’s Diner, a local soup kitchen for the homeless, needed volunteers to help serve meals.

Students, faculty and staff from the university came to help, and five years later, three teams of 15-20 workers continue to help serve on the third Friday of every month.

“It’s really our whole university community helping do good work as our contribution to the community. It’s fun,” Ayres said.

Craig Lindeman, director of creative services at WSU, was another of Wu Crew’s original founders.

“The idea for Wu Crew came about…as a simple way to highlight all of the great ways people affiliated with the university were making a difference in our community,” Lindeman said.

Lindeman said it started out as a T-shirt giveaway for students who volunteered, but eventually turned into a group of students available for “hire” for volunteer work.

One of Ayres’ sons washes dishes during his shift. He said that the job isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Other projects Wu Crew has been involved with include packing food to send to Haiti and helping lay bricks for a veteran’s memorial.

Wu Crew volunteer Tamara Smith said, “We cleaned debris from gravesites and helped with Habitat for Humanity. We do it all.”

Ayres said one of the many positive aspects of being involved with the group is being able to get to know students, as well as the aiding the community and promoting the university.

“I believe in volunteering. It’s a double benefit to me, to be able to volunteer and help with a good cause, and at the same time carry the banner of Wichita State,” Ayres said. “Having Wu on your back makes it even more special.”

Smith said she became a member because of past experiences when she needed help and others supported her.

“I enjoy every minute of being a part of Wu Crew, because it’s not about us, it’s about the people we’re helping,” she said.

Ayres hopes the people helped by the volunteers make a connection of “good people, good university,” and choose to support WSU and its efforts in the community.

“It’s a cause I believe in, and I’m proud to wear the shirt,” he said. “I think it’s a great organization, one of the best things we do. I not only support it and appreciate it, but I enjoy it.”

For more information on Wu Crew and how to join, visit www.wichita.edu/wucrew.