The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/29/07 Section: News

Media Credit: COURTESY ANNA BEALE Students volunteer at the YWCO Girls Camp, one opportunity available through today's fair. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: COURTESY ANNA BEALE Felicia Barrett, a senior from Valdosta, volunteers at the Garnett Ridge Boys & Girls Club in Athens. [Click to enlarge]

School just started and schedules are busier than ever, but the Center for Leadership & Service wants students to take a little time to help others.

The University's third annual volunteer fair is the place to find several organizations dedicated to giving back to the campus and community.

Anna Beale, assistant director of the CLS, said the two previous fairs have been a success.

"We have many returning agencies and organizations who have found committed and passionate volunteers through the fair," she said.

Beale said there is a real need for student volunteerism in Athens-Clarke County, the fifth poorest county in the nation for its size, according to Partners for a Prosperous Athens.

Students will be able to receive information from countless organizations at the fair, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Social service, non-profit and government agencies, such as American Red Cross and Teach For America, will be represented.

Alternative Spring Break and Relay For Life are only two of the seven Volunteer UGA student service groups that will be at the fair.

Marlena Lewis, a junior from Stone Mountain who served as an Alternative Spring Break leader, said she thinks students volunteering is a lifetime experience.

"It's important for college students to volunteer because it's an interesting opportunity to have a unique experience that involves helping our society and broadening your horizons about the world," Lewis said.

Also, several University student service groups and programs will be at the fair.

Beale said volunteer work is beneficial for students because it gives them a spirit of service they carry throughout life.

"Getting students involved in community service builds their social awareness and ultimately improves their life skills and self-image by showing that everyone can make a difference," she said.

If students volunteered each week, Beale said Athens-Clarke County would change.

"Imagine if every University student volunteered for two hours a week," she said. "That's over two million service hours in one year alone. With two million service hours, Athens would be an entirely different place and that difference would be made in part by students."

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