Volunteers will be getting into the giving spirit of Thanksgiving today in the SOURCE office on the third floor of the Ferguson Center.
Sweet Life of Service II, the Community Service Center’s Thanksgiving-inspired project will occur today from noon to 3 p.m.
“This is our second installment of the Sweet Life of Service activity hosted by the Community Service Center,” said Andres Mendieta, CSC Volunteer and Freshman Outreach Director. “The purpose of the project is to make Thanksgiving-themed arts and crafts so that we can donate them to local nursing homes and hospices for the holidays.”
Volunteers will be making cards and writing letters. The CSC has done an activity similar in the past when they have written letters to troops. Mendieta said he believes it is a good idea to do this activity as we approach the holidays.
“The arrival of Thanksgiving inspired us to do this activity,” Mendieta said. “It’s getting close to the holidays and it would be nice to make cards. There are a lot of people in hospice and nursing homes and doing something like this can brighten their spirits.”
Vontra Giles, Arts, Youth & Education Assistant Student Director, continued, “It’s a good way to show young people care about the older generation and a great way to show our appreciation for them.”
Mendieta said there have been many people who have expressed interest in participating in Sweet Life of Service II.
“There has already been quite a bit of expressed interest concerning the project and we certainly are excited,” Mendieta said.
According to Mendieta, there are at least 10 different events a month put on through the Community Service Center. Some students feel as if volunteering is beneficial in different ways.
“Charity is always a good thing to have. It’s good for college students to be able to get involved and help out the community as well,” said Derek Johns, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice.
Johns has volunteered with Best Buddies in Tuscaloosa and also coaches special needs baseball in his hometown.
“Volunteering is a huge learning experience,” Giles said. “You learn about others and yourself and you’re helping make someone’s day better. It’s good to get involved and there is something for everybody at the Community Service Center.”
Mendieta said “We would love for anybody to come by if they’re interested in working with the Community Service Center or just volunteering.”
There will be an information table about the Community Service Center located on the second floor of the Ferguson Center beginning at noon. As stated on the official website, volunteer.ua.edu, there will be information about how students can get involved with community service on-campus and around Tuscaloosa. Contact Mendieta at [email protected] for more information or go to slpro.ua.edu to register to volunteer for activities.
