Jonah Alexander did not start Service Dudes to build an organization. He started it to solve a problem; people wanted to serve but struggled to find opportunities.

Now, the BYU-Idaho student is working to bring his growing service movement from Gilbert, Arizona, to the Rexburg community.

River Aiton, an animal science major from Greenville, South Carolina, said she joined Service Dudes after hearing about it from Alexander.

She said the organization stood out because it focused on building community while helping people find meaningful ways to serve.

“It was not just about specific projects,” Aiton said. “It was about gathering people and building a community centered on service.”

Aiton volunteered during a Rexburg Food Pantry distribution on a cold Monday evening with other students and local volunteers.

Despite freezing temperatures, she said the experience was meaningful because it revealed the real needs of families in the community.

“You open car doors and see children in the backseat,” Aiton said. “It reminds you [that] these are real families who truly need help.”

She said moments like those motivated her to continue serving, even when balancing schoolwork, time commitments and long evenings.

“I like seeing people smile,” Aiton said. “If I can help bring light and happiness, I will keep showing up to serve.”

Aiton said Service Dudes also creates smaller, meaningful communities within BYUI's broader service culture.

“Service brings people closer to Christ,” Aiton said. “It helps connect those who truly value serving and want to grow together.”

Henry Robinson, a psychology major, said Service Dudes helps students find meaningful service despite busy academic schedules and responsibilities.

He said many students want to serve but struggle to find opportunities that fit into already demanding routines and commitments.

“As students, we are always busy,” Robinson said. “Service Dudes shows what is happening in the community and how we can help.”

Robinson said participating helped him feel more connected to people beyond campus and reminded him of constant opportunities to serve.

“It helps me feel connected with the people around me,” Robinson said. “It gets me out of my school bubble.”

Robinson first heard about Service Dudes from Alexander, a class friend.

He said Alexander invited him to help with a food drive after beginning efforts to expand the project in Rexburg.

Alexander, a business management major with a biology minor, founded Service Dudes during his junior year of high school.

The group began as a way to earn service hours for college applications but quickly grew into something much deeper.

“As we kept serving, we realized we loved it,” Alexander said. “Service stopped being a requirement and became a passion.”

Service Dudes started as a small group of friends organizing local projects in Arizona. It soon expanded into statewide service efforts.

Their growing impact drew public attention. Local news outlet ABC15 featured the group for mobilizing teens across the Phoenix Valley to serve.

Coverage highlighted how the students organized projects, recruited volunteers and built a consistent culture of service in their community.

Church News also recognized the group, reporting how the youth used JustServe to find opportunities and regularly serve others.

The experience helped Alexander develop leadership and organizational skills while strengthening his commitment to Christ-centered service.

One early project involved helping refugees settle into apartments by organizing supplies, furniture and hygiene kits for families in need.

Alexander said experiences like these showed him that small acts of service can create meaningful change in people’s lives.

After serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alexander returned determined to grow the project.

Now at BYUI, he is working to establish Service Dudes in Rexburg and expand service opportunities for students and community members.

He said the university has a strong service culture, but he saw room for broader community-focused efforts open to everyone.

In January, volunteers helped with a local food distribution project. In February, they delivered roses to widows in the Rexburg area.

Alexander hopes to organize at least one service project each month and partner with local organizations needing consistent volunteers.

“Our goal is helping people have a Christ-centered experience through service,” Alexander said. “Service is how we show Christlike love.”

He said the biggest lesson he has learned is that time is the most valuable thing a person can give.

“You cannot create more time,” Alexander said. “How you use it shapes your impact, your faith and your life.”

He said that belief guides his personal commitment and motivates him to continue serving consistently.

“I don’t know the exact number, but it is above 400 hours,” Alexander said.

Service Dudes is open to BYUI students and anyone in the Rexburg community interested in serving.

Participation is flexible. Volunteers can attend projects whenever their schedule allows, without long-term commitments.

Students can follow the group on Instagram at Service Dudes Rexburg to view upcoming service opportunities and project updates.

Alexander tracks volunteer hours for students who need service records for school, applications or professional programs.

Those unable to attend projects can still help by spreading the word through friends, societies, wards or campus organizations.