SectionsStudents volunteer over break
Bobbie Sawyer
Issue date: 3/2/10 Section: Spring Break 2010
|
In 2009, the Student Government Association sponsored the SPRINGfield BREAKout program, an alternative spring break, which allowed students to volunteer with 10 different non-profit organizations in the Springfield area as well as take part in free entertainment in the evening.
Liz Fitts, a sophomore public relations major, said she saw the event as an opportunity to help the community as well as spend time with friends and build new relationships.
"Several of my sorority sisters were doing it," she said. "We thought it would be fun if we all did it together. I got to meet a lot of new people. We all got pretty close throughout the week."
Christopher Polley, SGA president and SPRINGfield BREAKout organizer, said the program opened the door to further volunteer opportunities.
"The best part about volunteering was getting the chance to help a diverse group of organizations, knowing it would be easy to come back to help the organizations I enjoyed the most as they were right here in Springfield," he said.
Jennifer Sickinger, volunteer coordinator for Ozarks Food Harvest, one of the organizations that benefited from the 2009 program, said volunteering is a way for students to make a difference and have fun while doing so.
"It's a great way to give back and have fun with friends," she said. "Just one hour (of volunteering) helps the food bank provide 105 meals."
Jeff Nene with Convoy of Hope said a lot of the organization's volunteer base has come from colleges, and he's seen the passion students bring firsthand.
"The best source comes from students," he said. "They have lots of energy, lots of excitement and a desire to be part of something bigger than themselves."
Courtney Wendel, a graduate student in public relations, said the alternative spring break program helped her strengthen relationships and develop new friendships with those she roomed with during the program.
"Those are people that I'm friends with now," she said. "I wouldn't have known them if it wasn't for that."
Fitts said students who want to volunteer should make it a social affair.
"Get a buddy. You can make it fun if you're with your friends," she said. "It's a great opportunity. You won't be home on your couch bored. It's great networking. It's a great way to get started."
Students interested in volunteering can contact Raquita Bolden, SGA Director of Diversity and Public Affairs, or pick up an application at the SGA office in Plaster Student Union room 123.
Be the first to comment on this story