Whether students volunteer their time, money or expertise, the holiday experience is not complete without some form of community service. The gift of service is reciprocated with one’s self; volunteers who keep an open mind will gain knowledge and friendships and undergo personal growth.
Volunteering, often thought to be time-consuming, can be accomplished while watching television or during a study break.
One project idea easily made from home is crafting simple, no-sewing-necessary blankets to donate to homeless citizens, nursing home residents and hospital patients. The fleece-tie blanket is made with two pieces of fabric that are cut into a square or rectangle. Six inch-deep cuts are slit about one inch apart from one another entirely around the two fabric pieces. Both pieces of fabric are then aligned on top of each other, and the cut strips of fabric are tied together. These blankets can be donated to Sacred Heart Medical Center, Albany Helping Hands Shelter or South Towne Living Center.
Leaving the house to volunteer has its advantages as well. Visiting a nearby nursing home like South Towne Living Center or helping at the local soup kitchen proves just as effective.
Cleaning out a closet can aid others as well as relieve clutter from people’s homes. St. Vincent de Paul will stop by residences to pick up old items. Goodwill and the Salvation Army are other donation options.
Mentorship is a volunteer activity in high demand, as it requires a steady long-term commitment from volunteers.
SMART (Start Making a Reader Today), an organization that pairs volunteers with students from local elementary schools to read with once a week, helps improve literacy among children.
Big Brothers Big Sisters and Committed Partners for Youth also offer mentorship activities within Lane County.
Several campus organizations offer students the chance to volunteer just by showing up.
Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed philanthropic fraternity, provides students with projects that better the community’s welfare. “All people are welcome and encouraged to come to our projects,” said Brian Carter, the fraternity’s president.
Students can benefit the most from volunteering once they discover their niche. The local area houses roughly 100 non-profit organizations that rely on community helpers. The areas of volunteering range from “going green” to exposing children to fine arts. The Web site volunteermatch.org matches a person’s interests, talents and values to particular organizations.
With today’s busy lifestyles, the gift of time may be one of the most prized gifts – given and received. Volunteers are needed all year.