5 Fundraising Ideas for College Students

We do A LOT of fundraisers and thought we'd make a list of the best ones for college students. Here's a list of some of our most successful fundraisers. 

1. Bake Sale: An oldy but a goody, you can reach out to staff, students, and your entire student body to make a good amount of money. It is all about strategic placement and marketing so we suggest bringing your baked goods to staff and faculty, then reserving a table at a popular hang-out spot on campus to reach students.
2. Partner with a Local Business: Reach out to a local business that has a great relationship with your college/university and where a lot of the campus community hangs out to support your cause. Ask if they can sponsor you during a time when they're busy (i.e. breakfast hours at a coffee shop) or make an "item of the month" where a part of the proceeds brought in from the selling of that item goes to you (i.e. money brought in from strawberry waffles sold in the month of march goes to your cause).
3. -Thons: Always a blast, these events ask people to see how long they can do an activity. They work great for college students schedules because of their flexible hours and varying time requirement. Some examples include a "yoga-thon," "baseball-thon," "zumba-thon" and more!
4. Car Wash: We have had a lot of success in the past with car washes. On a nice fall or spring day, just when the weather is getting gross, faculty and staff will really appreciate the opportunity to have their car cleaned and the money going to a good cause!
5. Personal Sponsorship: Reach out to friends and family members asking for a personal sponsorship for your cause. Just a $5 or $10 donation can go a long way towards making your trip or service commitment a reality.

Don't be afraid to get creative. Any game, fun activity, or talent that you have can be tied into raising money for a great cause!

A Picture is Worth 1000 Words

Sometimes numbers just don't cut it with relaying information. Below is a fantastic infographic that highlights poverty statistics in the U.S.A.

Did You Know...?

• In 2011 The 4 most popular volunteer service activities were
1. Fundraising or selling items to raise money (26.2%)
2. Collecting, preparing, distributing or serving food (23.6%)
3. Engaging in general labor or transportation (20.3%)
4. Tutoring or teaching (18.2%)

• More women than men volunteer regardless of education, age, and other demographics

• Volunteer rates were lowest among 20-24 year olds

• Nearly 4 in 10 (38%) working mothers volunteered

• Married people volunteer more than non-married individuals

• Individuals with children volunteer more than those without kids

• The average volunteer spent a total of 50 hours volunteering from Sept. 2011-2012

• In 2011 The top 5 states of volunteering:
1. Utah 40.9%
2. Idaho 38.8%
3. Iowa 38.4%
4. Minnesota 38.0%
5. South Dakota 36.8%

• More volunteers volunteered in 2011 than in any year since 2005

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/volun.nr0.htm

http://eleventygroup.com/site/14-facts-and-statistics-about-the-state-of-nonprofit-volunteer-recruitment/

Puentes al Futuro Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 1

As adults we know why we love having the Puentes al Futuro Summer Camp here on campus. It gives the kids access to a lot of fun activities (including sports, an indoor swimming pool, and arts and crafts), they can continue working on their academics (English and Math classes occur twice a week each), and they work closely with college-aged counselors who serve as mentors and role models. 

But, do the kids love it? If so, why? To solve these perplexing questions, the camp's English teacher, Jenny, asked the campers to write about why they love camp as a part of the regular newsletter project she is doing with them!

Read below to see what the kids really think. There are some truly heart-warming accounts.

"Poverty, Love, and Money" by Jessica Jackley

Jessica Jackley's Ted Talk, "Poverty, Love, and Money" touches upon a lot of themes that surround many of us who are involved in community engagement, volunteerism, and social justice. Around the CCE, we like to downplay the use of the word "help." It is not with a mentality that we are giving to those less fortunate out of guilt, shame, or feeling more adequate, but with the mindset that we are sharing a skill or gift with our neighbors who are in turn sharing their skills and gifts with us. Rather than a one-way road, we emphasize building symbiotic partnerships with those we work and interact with. 

This mindset is relatively new. Many people, like Jessica, give money or time to help someone because it is what is expected of them. They hear stories about the poor suffering and think only to address this immediate misfortune. 

However, there are two sides to every story. I highly encourage you to watch Jessica's talk, hear about her exploration of the state of poverty, application of love, and power of money. 

If you're unsure how to tackle a social justice you find challenging, how to better understand and empathize with someone you may otherwise look down on because of their financial status, how you fit in to society as a volunteer or advocate, this video is perfect for you! 

Video link: http://bit.ly/14WXXil
Jessica's foundation: http://bit.ly/13rUfsI

Puentes al Futuro (Bridges to the Future)

Puentes al Futuro (Bridges to the Future) is a grant-funded program for at-risk youth living in Greater Windham, Connecticut. The program is sponsored by the Center for Community Engagement and is staffed by Eastern student volunteers. Below is an account from one of the Eastern volunteers about her experience: 

Puentes met on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week after the students get out of school, on Eastern’s campus as well as at Windham Middle School. Each time we met there was an opportunity to participate in an activity with the students to help them explore their culture, and then we helped them complete their homework. This past semester, on Thursdays, we studied poetry and worked on creating a Puentes-specific cook book. Talking about recipes and foods that are special to the children gave us another chance to share about ourselves and our families. It truly is amazing the type of connection that you build, even though you only spend a small portion of your week with these students. I love the way that Puentes helps students embrace and truly love their culture. The program helps students build a foundation based on understanding themselves and their heritage in order to promote their success in the future. I remember finding out when one of our Puentes students got into Windham Tech, after having applied only a few weeks earlier. Not only was everyone excited that she had chosen to tell us first, but we were so excited to see her become so thrilled about something directly related to her future. 

Guest Post: Kim, '15

What I Look Forward To When I Volunteer

The first night that I went to Lyon Manor, I expected to have a much different experience than I did.  When I heard the words ‘independent living center’, I expected the residents to need much more assistance.  I did not think that it would be so laid back and I did not realize that the residents would be able to go and come as they please.  I did not expect to terribly lose a game of chess against one resident.  I did not expect to laugh so hard that I cried.  And I certainly did not expect to form a friendship that I hold that close to my heart.

Every Tuesday I look forward to going to Lyon Manor.  I have a friend who lives there named Joanne.  She has a hard exterior and is not usually very happy.  But this past year, she and I have become so close.  Every week I bring a craft for the residents and Eastern students to do together, whenever I ask Joanne to work with me on one, she refuses because of her arthritis.  At Christmas time, I brought supplies so that the residents could make cards for their families.  This was one of the few times that Joanne agreed to do the craft; she made me a card, with a long poem about how much she loves me.  Joanne makes such an impact on my life; I cannot imagine my life without her or any of the other residents at Lyon Manor.

Recently, I went to the Impact conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  It is an annual conference about community engagement and social justice.  There I was inspired to find more ways to make our time at Lyon Manor more engaging for the residents as well as the volunteers.  I plan to pair up similar students and residents to create a one-on-one friendship.  We will spend the first part of our time there one-on-one with our friends and the second part as a whole group.  I am hoping that this will make volunteers want to return every week to spend time with their friends!  During the fall 2013, we will be visiting Lyon Manor on Wednesday evenings. If you are interested e-mail: gemmaj@my.easternct.edu. 

-Guest Post: Jeannine, '15

Eastern's Community Education Garden Grows!

Over the past three months students, faculty, and community members have been growing fruits and vegetables for the local soup kitchen at Eastern’s Community Education Garden. Inside its white picket fence on High Street, one can find waist-high potato plants, a variety of heirloom tomatoes, sugar peas, pole beans, and strawberries. Carrot and corn shoots are beginning to peep up out of the soil. Beets, onions, and garlic are nearing a foot in height.

Recently interns from the Institute of Sustainable Energy planted watermelon. Jalapeno peppers were put in the soil with the help of Windham High School students. Sweet herbs from the Willimantic Farmer’s Market, stevia, and chocolate mint mark off the tea corner. A multifarious band of volunteers from the Eastern community come to help out: biology professors, athletic trainers, resident assistants,  and librarians. This week a Visitor’s Welcome sign is being installed to invite anyone who wishes to come in and have a look around.

Guest post: Bryan, '15

Find more pictures here!

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/detail.sfly?imageIndex=0&sid=0AYs2jdk5cN2Lkw&fid=fee91f8dcca5f339

June 2013 Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for something new to do? Maybe you volunteered this past year and want to continue staying active. Below are some upcoming volunteer opportunities through the Center for Community Engagement!

• Eastern's Education Garden: We are in the middle of planting watermelon, potatoes, herbs, strawberries, and more! Much of the food will be donated to the Covenant Soup Kitchen when it is ready to be picked or harvested. The garden runs solely on Eastern student volunteer support with community members and local school kids helping out periodically. You can come and go as you please and form your own hours!

• Connecticut Food Bank's Mobile Truck: Every 4th Tuesday of the month, the Mobile Truck comes to 199 Valley Street with fresh produce and healthy food to distribute to those most in need. Volunteers help from 12:30-2:30pm with set-up and distributing the food to clients of the truck. This event is by far one of the most fun and rewarding events to be a part of!

If you're interested in getting involved in either, email Jacqui at decormierj@easternct.edu 

Food Justice Documentary

Watch this short film by Eastern Student Dave Wurtzel about Food Justice!

5 Reasons to Volunteer at Windham Hospital

5.  It’s good for you.

·         It’s a relaxing place that relieves stress. Even though it’s a hospital it’s pretty calm and gives you a chance to talk with people.

4.  Gaining professional experience.

·         I learned what it takes to work in the health field and in my major of social work. I acquired expertise in confidentiality, and time-management, as well as interpersonal skills.  Also, I see many situations that I may have to deal with in my future career.

3.  Learn new things.

·         While volunteering at Windham Hospital I learned new and sometimes random things that I later found to be important and hope to use to in my education and career.

2.  Meet new people!

·         The two women I met while working at the MET Desk were always great company during our shift. I recall one volunteer who always brightened my day; she is 93 years old and was always so adorable and gave me advice about my future.

·         At the outpatient registry it’s always interesting to meet new people. Some patients are even friendly enough to tell you stories about their past or why they are there in the first place.

1. You make a difference!

·         No matter what every person makes a difference and has an impact.

By: Wendy, CCE Student Leader

More Than A Dress

   The day every girl dreams of (second to their wedding) is their prom. They wonder how they will be asked, who they will go with and of course, what they will wear. I truly believe the confidence a girl has will either make or break her night. An outfit a girl feels proud to wear can add to her confidence. The unfortunate truth, though, is that some girls can't afford the dress of their dreams, and some cannot afford a dress at all.

         This is an issue I am extremely passionate about. In high school each Senior was required to choose a mentor and complete a project of their choice. The goal of the project was to do something you have never done before, and for me, organizing a volunteer project was a completely new experience. With the help of my Principle who was my mentor for the project and a fashionista herself, I had girls from the entire school drop dresses off to the front desk in the office and slowly started to create a "Prom Closet".

          Once the closet was nearly full I put reminders on the morning announcements that I would be sitting at the closet during my lunch and after school so girls could come in "just to look" or to find a dress. It was a great feeling to see girls try on that perfect dress that just happened to fit like a glove with no needed alterations. I know my small act of kindness impacted these girls’ lives and everytime they see those dresses hanging in their closet they will remember the time they danced the night away at prom and had the time of their lives.

        The most rewarding part of this project was when, my mother and I, years later, were eating dinner at a local restaurant when one of my high school teachers approached our table and informed us that she and another teacher kept the closet going after I graduated. It felt great to know I left this legacy at my high school and created a project that girls will continue to benefit from for years on end.

      If you'd like to donate your old dress and you're in the CT area contact http://waimct.org/ to find out how. If you are not in the CT there are dozens of organizations such as http://donatemydress.org and http://fairygodmothers.org among many others.

       And think about how you can create a legacy here at Eastern. If you are passionate about supporting your community, contact the CCE at cce@easternct.edu to see how you can get involved.

By: Lauren, Intern

Internship Opportunity!

 The Collegiate Health Service Corps (CHSC) Program needs a new intern! If you're a graduate student or undergraduate student with the hopes of completing your masters this internship could be right for you!

General Description:   CHSC Program Interns will be given specific roles in relation to meeting a community need within Windham and New London Counties.  Interns will be assigned to assist in the fulfillment of the Collegiate Health Service Corps Program.

1.  Coordinate an advisory committee to review and evaluate curriculum content and service learning projects to ensure best practices and current theories are continually incorporated. Students, agency representatives, and consumer representatives will serve on the advisory committee.

2.     Investigate the health care needs of Eastern Connecticut and create materials to be used in grant submissions

3.     Facilitate and/or supervise the implementation of the core curriculum(s)

4.     Monitor students’ service learning assignments

5.     Expand upon academic and community partnerships to assist in the expansion of the program

6.     Ensure data collection protocols are being met

7.     Create evaluation and tracking best practices

8.     Present and train Eastern AHEC staff on new procedures

9.     Other assignments and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Coordinator

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of programs and resources readily available in the community Verbal, writing, and organizational skills Ability to attend community events Ability to work independently Use of common office software, including Microsoft Office For more information contact: Eastern Area Health Education Center 322 Main St. Suite 2E-1R Willimantic, CT 06226 Office Phone: (860) 465-8281 Fax: (860) 760-6230 Web: www.easternctahec.org By: Lauren, Intern

Sandy Still Matters: Hurricane Benefit Concert

         On Wednesday March 13, 2013 students gathered in the Students Center at Eastern Connecticut State University to watch talented local performers and to raise money for Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief. All proceeds from this event went to an Alternative Spring Break trip to New Jersey, where Eastern students aided in disaster relief projects.

          Performances included Hanging Hills, a local band, of which include two members of the Center of Community Engagement Elliot Woolworth and Max Robinson, took the stage first and set the tone for the night. Next Fallin’ Flat graced the stage with their renditions of ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ and ‘Just a Kiss’ among many other popular songs. The Repertory Dance Troupe then performed a lyrical piece, followed by local band Balcony, who rocked the stage with a mixture of original and cover songs.

Overall this was a great event that supported local talent and raised money for a good cause. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future.

         If you would like to donate to this cause contact the Center for Community Engagement at cce@easternc.edu

By: Lauren, Intern

Does Advertising Promote Inequality?

 Everywhere you look advertising is telling us how we should look, dress, and act. Driving down the highway you see billboards, checking your Facebook you see side ads, and watching your favorite sitcom you encounter dozens of commercials. Although the products they are advertising are different, the message behind them seems to be the same.

                After viewing a short film called ‘Killing Us Softly’ in a Social Inequality course here at Eastern Connecticut State University, I became much more aware, and offended, by the fact that women in advertising are used as sexual objects and second class citizens. In the film, Jean Kilbourne shares her passion and analytical view on advertisements specifically those featuring women. Jean’s funny and witty nature captivates the audience so she can truly get her point across. Jean says although most of us think we are immune to advertisings effects, we aren’t. She states “The fact is that much of advertising's power comes from this belief that advertising does not affect us. The most effective kind of propaganda is that which is not recognized as propaganda. Because we think advertising is silly and trivial, we are less on guard, less critical, than we might otherwise be. It's all in fun, it's ridiculous. While we're laughing, sometimes sneering, the commercial does its work.”

Subconsciously these advertisements are telling us that women are unintelligent sexualized objects that are good for pleasing men, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children; ideas that are extremely dated but still shown to us on a daily basis in a way where most people won’t realize or be offended. Think of the last Windex or Swiffer advertisement you saw…who was the main character? My guess is that it was a woman who was cleaning up after her family; correct me if I’m wrong. Then there are the cologne ads which are so sexualized we hardly even know what they are selling. To prove this I Goggled “cologne” and on the first page of results this is what I found…

If I saw this ad in passing I would have absolutely no idea what it was selling. By taking a closer look, yes, technically it does say the cologne is called “Obsession for men” by Calvin Klein, but still how does the photo in this ad correlate to cologne? Maybe if you wear it a gorgeous supermodel will show up naked at your doorstep? This is just one of many examples of how advertising uses and degrades women to nothing more than sexual objects.

                It is important for all women and those who support gender equality to make a change. By consuming these ads we are saying that women are less than men, less than human, and not worthy of the same respect of their opposing gender. For ways to make a difference visit http://www.jeankilbourne.com/ for ideas and organizations that challenge destructive media images.

By: Lauren, Intern

Summer 2013 Volunteer Opportunity!

MDA Summer Camp in Hebron CT is looking for Counselors! Please inquire with questions, interest or to receive an application call: 203-248-6500 / Fax: 203-248-6540 or email cbilodeau@mdausa.org

By: Lauren, Intern

Persuasive Panel

On Thursday March 7^th, 2013 students filed into the Student Center Theater at Eastern Connecticut State University to listen to the experiences of Post Graduates who joined the Peace Corp, Food Corp, AmeriCorps, and Teach for America. The purpose of this event was to educate students on different full-time service opportunities they can join upon graduating from Eastern in which they will not only bring their skills to meaningful work but will build their resumes. Everyone had their own stories and experiences to share with the audience but one story in particular stood out to me and the majority of the audience. Brianna London served with the Peace Corp abroad. She decided to join the Peace Corp after she graduated college because she wanted to take a break before thinking about going to graduate school but wasn’t ready to enter a full-time office job. After her orientation and training period, Brianna was sent to a remote village in Burkina Faso, Africa where she spent the next two years as the only American in the area. She primarily worked with groups of subsistence farmers and craftspeople to develop new business opportunities. She quickly became a role model for women in the village as she worked with them on confidence building techniques and helped them learn a new trade, soap making.  She worked with them to design a quicker more efficient way to prepare food which saved the villagers time and money. Brianna served in every aspect they needed her; some days she was a nurse, a chef, a financial advisor, or sometimes just a friend. Over the two years she was there Brianna learned the native language and made a huge impact in the economy of the village. As much as the villagers learned from her, she learned as much from them. She had to embrace a culture entirely different than her own and the people of the village tried to help her make that transition as smoothly as possible. Brianna now hopes to return to the village and is studying new ways to help them develop their economy. After the Panel, Brianna was surrounded by students who wanted to know more about her story. The bravery it took to move to another country with no knowledge of the area or language and have that big of an impact is something we can all admire and hope to achieve one day. I, like many of the audience, came to learn how to further our careers, but what we took away from it is that we can all do something as brave as Brianna and have amazing experience as well.

By: Lauren, Intern

5 Lessons From a Student Volunteer

         My work here at the CCE began in the summer of 2012 at the Puentes al Futuro (Bridges to the Future) Summer Camp.  I have had some experience with middle school students; but 80% of my prior tutoring experience was with elementary age children.  I was open to this new endeavor though, and find it to be one of the best experiences of my college career thus far.  It also led to me to dedicate many of my hours, here at the CCE, in the tutoring program at the Middle School.  I now am a student leader of the Middle School House A/B Tutorial Program, and I enjoy it very much.  The children are always excited to see me, and it puts a smile on my face knowing that the time I have dedicated to this program has impacted their lives. There are also 5 lessons that I have learned through this process.

1.      Patience

Students may not always warm up to you immediately, but with patience and you will eventually be able to form mentor and student relationships.

2.       Dedication

                 Showing that you are dedicated to helping the student’s academics needs, will allow students to feel that they do have people that are willing to support them. Dedication requires setting aside time to put your full attention into the program, and giving your 100% while you’re at the site.

3.      Laugh

As a mentor/tutor you have to keep a professional attitude, but it is ok to laugh once and awhile with the student.  It allows them to feel more welcome.

4.      Show compassion

You never know what background a student may come from (socioeconomic, ethnicity, home environment) so always be sensitive to these issues.

5.      Push for Success

There are students who say “they can’t”, take that out of their vocabulary and show them that with hard work they can achieve academic success.

I Love Me! Event

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

                     On February 14, a group of middle school children from the Windham Middle School Afterschool Program gathered in the Betty Tipton Room at Eastern Connecticut State University for ‘I Love Me!’ an event organized by Student Leaders Sonya Beetham and Jeannine Gemma and hosted by the Center for Community Engagement. The kids were broken into groups that switched every 20 minutes between stations, each having an activity to related to the kids about proper nutrition and self-esteem. For one activity, the kids wrote Valentines to themselves as a way to boost confidence; another included a game of Jeopardy during which the kids were quizzed on nutritional information.  For example, a 100 point question was “true or false: breakfast is unimportant.” The kids grouped together to give their final answers and rack up points to win prizes. At the end of the event the kids gathered in the middle of the BTR and were taught Brazilian dances, then allowed to dance on their own. When ‘Gangnam Style’ came on even the boys couldn’t wait to hit the floor. Everyone had a great time and we look forward to having them back in the future

Pay It Forward Gifts

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Whether you're buying a gift for Valentines Day or another event, a gift that gives back is thoughtful and promotes a good cause. Here are some ideas for pay it forward gifts...

1. UNICEF: Unicef has many Charity gifts they sell online for adults, children, and special occasions. A personal favorite were the multicolored beaded earrings! All proceeds go to Unicef

 http://www.shopcardsandgifts.unicefusa.org/group.aspx?grp=A92DB659-1355-4BE5-9C2A-388EC34E515E

2. The Pink Ribbon Store: Sells goods that help the National Breast Cancer Foundation reach thousands of women in need each year. Goods range from pink socks to hats and water bottles! Perfect for V-Day!

https://www.pinkribbonstore.com/store/prs/site

3. TOMS: This newly popular shoe is not only fashion foward but gives shoes to children in need for every pair that you buy!

According to http://www.toms/com by not wearing shoes children are at risk for...

•A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.

•Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.

•Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.

4.  Bead for Life:  BFL is a nonprofit organization and member of the Fair Trade Federation that works to eradicate extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens.

Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads and communities in northern Uganda gather shea nuts and press them into shea butter for cosmetics and soaps.

http://beadforlifestore.org/

5. Prosperity Candle: They "aspire to partner with thousands of women, providing them with a unique opportunity through candle-making: an opportunity to not only survive—but to truly thrive. Our Shared Prosperity business model acknowledges the women we work with as key partners in our business. It’s this business model that enables us to share our financial success with them."

Buy your candle at http://shop.prosperitycandle.com/

ECSU Blood Drive

Thursday, February 14, 2013

On February 4 and 5 Eastern Connecticut State University held its third Red Cross Blood Drive of the school year. 165 students, faculty, staff, and community members filed in to the Betty Tipton Room for their opportunity to donate. According to the Red Cross only 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives meaning, up to 393 lives could potentially be saved from the 131 pints of blood collected at this drive. On top of the donors, there were 50 volunteers who worked 63 hours helping recruit and check –in participants. Contributors were rewarded with pancakes to help them recover from their donations.  This drive was a huge success for Eastern and we look forward to hosting more blood drives in the future.

For more information on future Red Cross blood drives at Eastern, visitwww.redcrossblood.org  (code Eastern) or contact Irene Cretella at (860)465-0090,cretellai@easternct.edu.

12 Reasons Why People Who Volunteer are Happier

Thursday, February 14, 2013

It’s been said that people who volunteer are happier but have you ever wondered why? The students of Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Community Engagement have their own opinions on the subject…

1.       It gives meaning to life.

                                 i.            Volunteering and giving back make your life more meaningful. The feeling you get when you volunteer is something you can’t get from many other things in life.

2.       Unique Opportunities and Experiences.

                                 i.            Volunteering can offer you experiences you otherwise wouldn’t have had. Those experiences can be memories that stick with you forever.

3.       Personal Growth.

                                 i.            Volunteering makes you feel good, and become a better person.

4.       Sense of Accomplishment.

                                 i.            When you volunteer you feel like you’ve done something important. The look on the faces of those you have helped makes you feel like you’ve made a difference.

5.       Learn new things.

                                 i.            Do you know how to build a house? Ask those involved in Habitat for Humanity, by volunteering you can do things you never thought you could.

6.       Meet new people / Network.

                                 i.            Volunteering opens you up to a whole community of people. You may meet a new friend, significant other, future employer, or reference for your new job.

7.       To have fun!

                                 i.            Volunteering isn’t all bland! Mentoring a child by simply spending time and playing with them is not only rewarding but fun!

8.       To find your passion.

                                 i.            You could be extremely passionate about something and just not know because you’ve never tried it. Volunteering offers opportunities to try new things and maybe find a new passion.

9.       Reduces Stress.

                                 i.            Volunteering gets your mind off your daily stresses and lets you focus on something pleasant.

10.   Builds Confidence.

                                 i.            By getting out there and not only interacting with a variety of people but doing something that makes you feel good about yourself, your confidence is bound to be boosted.

11.   Makes your Community a Better Place.

                                 i.            Everyone wants to live somewhere they are proud of. By helping out in your community you are only making it a better place to live for yourself and your friends and family.

12.   It Feels Good!!

                                 i.            Volunteering feels good! Knowing you did something to help someone else will never bring you down, it can only bring you up!