While many Boston residents relaxed or took advantage of the late-summer weather Saturday morning, about 300 Boston University fraternity and sorority members spent the day cleaning up the Charles River area as part of the Inter Fraternity Sorority Council’s third annual Day of Service.

The day – which was also sponsored by the Student Activities Office and the National Service Alumni Network – began with an opening session of speakers in Metcalf Hall. Rich Leimsider, the founder of the National Service Alumni Network, and Rev. Eugene Rivers were among the speakers who addressed the students and challenged them to continue in service.

Rivers related the day’s work to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, saying that college volunteers help break worldwide stereotypes of Americans.

“Your presence and commitment provide an important moral, political and social counterpart to much of the anger and confusion revolving around us,” Rivers said.

Following the opening session, the BU volunteers, armed with trash bags and “I heart community service” nametags, began their cleanup of the Charles River.

This year’s Day of Service also featured workshops through the NSAN, which works to build a strong community of volunteers who have already performed years of service through AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps and other programs.

Members attended a variety of sessions on topics from social entrepreneurship to the role of faith in activism.

Erin Dayharsh, SAO programs coordinator, said the day was important because it provided a bonding experience for students.

“It’s a good jumpstart to the year and a fun way to get everyone together,” Dayharsh said. “It’s always great to get students outside the BU community.”

Dayharsh said she was pleased with the way the day turned out and recognized the effort that the volunteers made to wake up on the first Saturday of the school year.

“I’m glad these students woke up on a Saturday morning and decided to do service,” Dayharsh said.

As a result of the students’ hard work, trash bags filled the garbage cans along the Charles. The day was also an inspiration for them, said Erin Kennedy, a College of Arts and Sciences senior.

“While we were cleaning, we saw multitudes of people enjoying the Charles River, including children,” said Kennedy, a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. “To know that you are doing something that is allowing so many people to enjoy the area I feel inspires all who participate to continue with such service.”

Events such as the Day of Service are a great way to explore both the BU community and its Greek life, Kennedy said.

She also said her sorority will be among many participating in the Breast Cancer Walk in October, along with raising money for its national philanthropy organization, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

“Despite the stereotype, Greek life is about building character and leadership skills, both of which are greatly enhanced by service” Kennedy said. “It’s essential to Greek life.”