Students at the Arizona International Campus of the UA fulfilled one of the institutions community service goals by painting walls, cleaning bathrooms and repairing four homes Saturday for low-income members of Tucson's Hispanic community.

Melissa Lockhart, professor of Spanish and Latin American studies at AIC, said 35 students participated in the day-long project.

She said the project was almost entirely student-planned and run. This included choosing the project and coordinating the donated materials.

"The students had to determine the problem in the community and be as creative as they could be," Lockhart said. "This was the most important part of the learning experience."

Kelly Munns, AIC history freshman, said the project was particularly gratifying because it broke down economic and racial walls.

"We were not reaching down; we were reaching out," Munns said.

AIC undeclared freshman Chris Cabrera said the day-long project was more rewarding and humbling than other projects he had participated in.

"When it was all done we were very tired but we felt really good," he said. "We completely re-did a house in one day."

Lockhart, who spent much of the day cleaning bathrooms, said planning the project took about a month and a half. She said community service was worth 10 percent of each student's grade, and the students were required to speak Spanish.

Sarah Semadeni, AIC performing arts freshman, said the project may have changed the student's lives more than those they were serving.

"This fulfilled a need in a hands-on way. There was one man who was in tears - he didn't want us to leave," Semadeni said. "This changed our lives."

Lockhart said some of those served were full of thankfulness for the students' work.

"One lady called and said, 'If any of your students don't have a place to go for Thanksgiving, tell them they can come over to my house,'" Lockhart said. "These people had an overwhelming love."

Marco Lopez, AIC political science freshman, said the project indicated many Tucson residents are willing to help those who are less fortunate.

"This shows that the community is willing to help when it comes down to it," Lopez said.

AIC requires each student to participate in at least six hours of community service per semester as part of its guiding principles for graduation. Lockhart said her students will participate in community service activities every semester.

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