Students seek ways to volunteer

Agencies informed students about volunteer opportunities.

By Michelle Reichmeier

Published Sept. 3, 2010

Thirty-eight community service agencies recruited students for the new year Wednesday at the 19th annual “Celebration of Service” volunteer fair on Lowry Mall.

Students, faculty, staff and Columbia residents had the opportunity to learn about local volunteer agencies and how to become involved in the different not-for-profit organizations. The Voluntary Action Center, the University YMCA and service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega sponsored the event.

“There is definitely an organization or agency for everyone to become involved with to make a difference in our community,” VAC Executive Director Cindy Mustard said.

The Voluntary Action Center works to provide volunteer information and training and also to encourage the community to respond to local issues. Organizations such as Peace Works, the Girl Scouts and Ronald McDonald House set up tables along Lowry, inviting students to learn more about their agencies and to become involved.

Mustard said the fair was geared toward university students because the community depends on student help.

“Even though Columbia is small, it has the same problems as larger cities,” Mustard said.

Freshman Taylor Irwin attended the fair hoping to learn more about possible volunteer work. In addition to her involvement on campus, she hopes to become more active in the Columbia community through various service opportunities.

“Getting out and volunteering off-campus is important, because as students, we need to realize there’s more to the city than just the college,” Irwin said. “The community supports us, so in turn, we should help support the community.”

Junior Thomaz DeSouza agreed with Irwin.

“In a community that is secluded like a college campus, it is very easy to get lost in studies or organizations that one is a part of and lose sight into the real world,” DeSouza said. “Volunteering gives college students a wake-up to the real world and allows them to better understand the blessings that they are receiving.”

Irwin said she believes college students and Columbia residents should combine resources to help make a difference in the city.

“Students didn’t get to Mizzou without help, so it’s important to help others reach their goals too,” Irwin said.

If students are worried about balancing service obligations with school or afraid of not having enough time to volunteer, Mustard encourages them to find something they like, to do short-term projects and to not overcommit. She suggests volunteering with a friend for a few hours at a time to get a taste for the agency’s work.

“Whatever time you can give will make a difference,” Mustard said. “A little bit can go a long way.” Students who missed the fair can find the agencies on the VAC website at www.vacmo.org or by calling 573-874-2273.