From Dec. 9 until Jan. 9, University students are free from classes and homework. While playing video games and bar-hopping may be on the top of some stressed-out students’ lists of ways to spend winter break, we hope some Eugeneans will use the long vacation to help people in need through volunteer work.
Although the damage wrought by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is no longer at the forefront of the media, the work to repair New Orleans and surrounding cities has only just begun. The American Red Cross is spearheading many efforts to help. People can fill out an application to volunteer for the Red Cross at www.redcross.org.
The Oregon Pacific Chapter of the American Red Cross provides opportunities for volunteers to help in Eugene. It has its office at 862 Bethel Drive. Call 541-344-5244 to find out about volunteer opportunities such as Meals on Wheels and the Child Care Food Program, or visit www.oregonpacific.redcross.org. Wednesday, the Red Cross provided food, clothing and shelter to students whose homes were damaged by the fire near campus on 18th Avenue.
Smaller local organizations also create many opportunities to help the hungry and homeless in Eugene.
The Eugene Mission, a shelter on 1542 W. First Ave., provides food, clothing, shelter, gospel and work therapy to homeless people. The Mission is open 24 hours a day and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Volunteers can help with serving meals or by participating in chapel services. To find out how to help, call Linn Antis at 541-344-3251 and ask about volunteer opportunities.
The Family Dinner Program, sponsored by FOOD for Lane County, provides another opportunity to help hungry Eugeneans. Every weekday at locations in Eugene and Springfield, the United Way of Lane County-funded agency serves an evening meal to individuals and families in need. Volunteers aid with food preparation in the afternoon and help serve meals in the evening. The program’s main office is located at 770 Bailey Hill Road just of West 11th Avenue. Those interested in volunteering can call Sheyla Norte at 541-343-2822 or visit United Way of Lane County’s Web site at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwlane. The Web site provides a 28-page list of other volunteer opportunities.
Today is World AIDS day, which brings to light another opportunity to serve: the HIV Alliance. Visit www.hivalliance.org or call Nicole Buffington at 541-342-5088 ext. 10. Volunteers for the Alliance can “care for pets during a client’s hospitalization, help with errands, plumbing or just be there to listen,” according to the UWLC Web site.
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” So take some time out of your not-so-busy schedule over winter break and help some people in need.