Opinion:
The best gift: Volunteering in Columbia
by Lauren Dye, Nov. 24, 2009
Imagine being the person who makes a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s helping organize an event for a chronically ill child, putting together food packages for homeless shelters, lending a hand in building a house for a low-income family or taking time to care for an animal rescued from an abusive home. Volunteering is one of the greatest gifts a person can give, and it doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars, just a little bit of time.
“I think that volunteering is very important,” said Matthew Linker, industrial engineering senior. “My local community has given so much to me, and volunteering is a way for me to give back.”
When talking with University of Missouri students, many believed volunteering was something people should be involved in, but few were actually able to find the time.
“Volunteering is to help someone in need,” said Emily Swindler, hotel and restaurant management sophomore. “I volunteered more before coming to college, though, because I had more time and opportunities.”
Kelsey Cornell, animal science freshman, addressed why she believed college students do not volunteer.
“I think it’s not because they don’t want to volunteer, it’s more that they feel pressed for time with organizations and school work,” Cornell said.
For some, though, the reward at the end of the day is worth taking time out of their busy schedules to give back.
“As a college student, finding time to volunteer can be hard,” said Brent Gholson, fisheries and wildlife sophomore. “But I find that it is worth taking time out of my schedule to volunteer, because of the sense of satisfaction I get when I see I have helped out my community.”
Gholson has always had an interest for the outdoors and hunting and has found an opportunity to do something he loves and to help give back. He is volunteering Oct. 14 with the Mark Twain Lake Disabled Person’s Hunt.
In Columbia there are numerous opportunities for college students to give back to the community. Whether they like working with kids, being outdoors, doing carpentry or working with animals, there is something for everyone.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri, Inc.. is a great way to volunteer in Columbia. Volunteers play a role in providing a warm, friendly atmosphere where families can feel at home. Since opening in 1983, the Ronald McDonald House has hosted more than 20,000 families. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit http://rmhccolumbia.org to fill out the volunteer application online to get the process started.
Another way to support this charity, if time is an issue, is by saving pop tabs. The Ronald McDonald House Pop Tab Program recycles tabs in exchange for money to be used to help take care of families. So far the program has raised more than $24,000.
Making dreams come true for critically and chronically ill children is the mission of the Central Missouri chapter of the Dream Factory. This organization is different from some because volunteers work out of their homes and meet once a month in either Columbia or Fulton.
The Central Missouri chapter has been in existence for 25 years and has granted more than 400 dreams in the mid-Missouri area. Children 3 to 18 are selected to “have their dreams come true” based on a criteria list and referral from a doctor or nurse. The Dream Factory works with hospitals all over the Midwest to grant dreams.
“For me, there’s a lot of administrative and paper work that goes into it, but when you see the kids and families at events like the Christmas party we are having on Dec. 6, it’s all worth it,” said Michelle Windmoeller, area coordinator for the Central Missouri chapter of the Dream Factory. “To hear the parents of the children say that their kids couldn’t stop smiling and didn’t think of the illness is so rewarding.”
Volunteers must be 18 or older and must pass a background check. If students are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Michelle Windmoeller at mwind@mchsi.com.
Just $1 provides 20 pounds of food to those in need according to the Central Missouri Food Bank Web site. The Central Missouri Food Bank has been serving the community for 30 years. Volunteers can give time, money or food. Millions of pounds of food are donated annually with the food being distributed to soup kitchens, emergency food pantries and shelters for the abused and homeless, to programs for low-income children and senior citizens and to rehabilitation centers.
Last year 17,000 people volunteered their time totaling more than 46,000 hours. Individuals can volunteer on their own or as a group. If students are interested in volunteering, they can call 800-764-3663 to learn more.
For people who like working outside and performing manual labor, Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity might be the perfect fit. The mission of Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity is to work in partnership with God and volunteers to build modest homes for low-income families who could not otherwise afford to purchase their own homes.
“The greatest experience is helping serve God and going to the dedications of the homes and seeing how grateful the people are,” said Bill View, executive director for Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity.
Students can get involved two ways: by becoming part of the MU chapter of Habitat for Humanity or by e-mailing showmehabitat@yahoo.com to be scheduled for a weekend build.
The Central Missouri Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1943 to prevent cruelty to and alleviate suffering of all animals. They are committed to responsible pet ownership and elevating the welfare of all animals through their adoption, education and intervention program.
“Putting pets with people” is their motto. Volunteers help save animals by keeping them socialized, exercised and loved. Volunteers must be 18 years or older or have direct supervision at all times. Prior to volunteering, individuals must complete orientation. The opportunities are endless from dog walking to office work. If students want to become part of an organization that cares for more than 7,500 animals annually, they can visit http://www.cmhspets.org to download a volunteer application.
The feeling experienced after giving back is something that is immeasurable and all it takes is a little time.
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