Interviews for this series were conducted by students enrolled in two service learning English composition classes at LSU taught by Wade and Susann Dorman. Wanting the service aspect of their course to be based on writing, the Dormans decided to help the Baton Rouge Chapter of Volunteers of America (VOA) write a history of their organization. Involved in all aspects of the project, their students did background research, conducted, transcribed and indexed the interviews with key figures, and wrote "Giving Shelter," a history of the Baton Rouge Chapter of VOA.