7's Sorboni Banerjee part of BU Global Day of Service

BOSTON -- A local university launched a huge community service effort.

More than 3,000 students and alumni from Boston University volunteered at 60 sites across the world over the weekend.

At the Belle of the Ball event in Boston, high school girls were outfitted with free prom gowns.

7's own Sorboni Banerjee tried her hand at being a personal shopper for the girls.

Coordinators of the event are hoping to inspire others to pay it forward.

"There's no reason why this shouldn't turn into a Boston thing, but I think part of American ethic where everyone should give back,” said co-chair Ed Westerman.

"We hope this motivates our community and others to engage in community service," said Meg Umlass, part of BU’s Global Day of Service.

Volunteers also cleaned up the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge and made snack packs for Project Bread's Walk for Hunger.

(Copyright (c) 2010 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)