|
Volunteering abounds at ASU, service-minded students needed |
|
|
|
Wednesday, 23 August 2006 |
by ALLISON CASEY
Lifestyles Reporter
Whether it is dancing non-stop, building a home, writing a newsletter or walking a dog, chances are there is a volunteer opportunity for you.
The Appalachian & the Community Together office, located near McAlister’s Deli in Plemmons Student Union, provides a database for students interested in volunteer opportunities.
No matter a student’s interest, they can find a perfect volunteer job around Boone, J. Beth Champion, an ACT peer counselor said.
“It teaches them about the community they live in,” she said. “It’s a good way to give back.”
Even if students are not interested in physical work, most
organizations need volunteers to do secretarial work, write
newsletters, process data or run Web sites, Champion said.
For students who are not looking for a long-term opportunity, the ACT office sponsors many special events throughout the year.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 6-10, brings to light issues of poverty through a week-long series of programs.
Students can help local children by dancing for 24 hours at Dance Marathon, Nov. 18-19.
In the spring, events like The MLK Challenge, Alternative Spring Break
and Earth Day Celebration provide students with additional
opportunities to serve their community.
On campus, students can volunteer with Upward Bound, the American
Cancer Society, the Western North Carolina Small Wind Initiative and
ASU Women’s Center, Champion said.
The headquarters for Samaritan’s Purse is also located in Boone.
The two main volunteer opportunities for students through Samaritan’s
Purse are assembling boxes for Operation Christmas Child and helping
with Hurricane Katrina disaster relief, Tom Layton, a Samaritan’s Purse
representative, said.
Volunteers with Operation Christmas Child can help assemble shoeboxes
full of gifts for children worldwide Nov. 18 through Dec. 9 in two to
four-hour shifts.
The Watauga County Humane Society can give animal lovers the chance to spend time with some furry friends.
Volunteers are always needed to walk dogs and clean and line cages,
said assistant manager Anita Gomez. Those interested need to stop by
during the shelter’s hours of operation.
Shelter Rock volunteers can help package and distribute supplies like
toiletries, food and clothing to those in need, Shelter Rock
administrative assistant Rebecca Longo said.
“It gives an opportunity to expose volunteers to the poverty in our area,” she said. “It’s an awareness.”
Environmental activists can work with Appalachian Voices, High Country
Conservancy or the newly founded Leola Street Community Garden.
Legal organizations often go unnoticed but also provide important services, Champion said.
Legal Aid of Boone gives legal advice and representation for low-income
individuals, as does Blue Ridge Dispute Settlement Center.
For more information on these or any other opportunities contact the ACT office at 262-2193.
Trackback(0)
 |
TrackBack URI for this entry
Show/Hide comments