By Lindsey Schibelhut, Senior Reporter.
Whether you are a Delta student or a member of the community, there are always upcoming opportunities to help our fellow man. Michigan Nonprofit Association AmeriCorps employee Andrew Straub, who works on assignment at Delta, explains more about forthcoming volunteer events and how helping impacts our residents.
“Most of the volunteer opportunities at Delta College occur off campus,” says Straub.
From now until the end of May they are looking for student volunteers to help with the backpacks program at Washington Elementary School in Bay City.
“Approximately 100 families of students at Washington qualify for food assistance,” explains Straub. “Through a grant the school is able to provide a week’s worth of food for the family every Friday.”
Volunteers will pack the backpacks with non-perishable food items and distribute them to students in the program.
“This can be done by just one person or by a small group—great for club or classroom volunteer hours,” says Straub.
Another volunteer event coming up is the Positive Change Agent Fair on Jan. 27 in the main hallways of the campus.
“We will have non-profit organizations from all over the local area come in to recruit volunteers that will suit their needs,” says Straub.
Some of the issues that will be addressed at the fair include animal welfare, youth development, poverty and the environment.
“This is especially geared towards students in POL-104 classes who need to volunteer with an organization in order to fulfill their Civic Engagement course requirement,” says Straub.
Straub goes on to explain how volunteerism can aid in ways one would not expect.
Student volunteers are key at Delta,” begins Straub,” Last fall we used volunteers for a range of things – from running carnival games to making blankets to creating videos. The possibilities are endless and we’re always willing to brainstorm ideas for upcoming opportunities.”
Volunteerism makes waves that extend far beyond Delta’s campus. Those ripples are felt throughout our community and, according to Straub, can also aid in future employment prospects.
“Volunteering is also a great way to boost a resume. Many employers are now spending a lot of consideration on volunteer experience as it shows that an applicant is passionate, willing to go the extra mile and has a diverse set of skills and experience,” concludes Straub.
For more information about volunteer opportunities people are recommended to visit: www.delta.edu/ace_sl/servicelearning.aspx or email at: volunteer@delta.edu.