1. Community Service By: Alex Still

2. Why Volunteer? The largest benefit I receive from volunteering is a genuine sense of satisfaction from helping others. I do not only volunteer because it is required in my FYE class, but to give back to my community. I am grateful for the help I received from others. Volunteering is the ultimate payback to those who helped me on the road to success. The feeling that I can shape someone's life for the better is unexplainable.

3. My Community Service

4. I volunteered for: Goodwill Tucker Animal Hospital

5. Goodwill is one of the world’s largest nonprofit providers of education, training, and career services for people with disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness, and lack of education or work experience, as well as those with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Last year, local Goodwill’s collectively provided employment and training services to more than 720,000 individuals. Their mission is to enhance the quality and dignity of life for individuals, families, and communities on a global basis, through the power of work, by eliminating barriers to opportunity for people with special needs, and by facilitating empowerment, self-help, and service through dedicated, autonomous local organizations.

6. What did I do at Goodwill? The first half of my community service hours was spent volunteering at goodwill. I organized clothes, shoes, and books on the shelves.

7. What did I do at the Animal Hospital? The Second half of my community service was spent at an animal hospital. I mostly entertained the animals and presented them to the customers. It was a great experience and would not mind doing it again. I wish I could have taken the dogs home with me.

8. VSU’s thoughts on volunteering… To Foster an active culture at Valdosta State University, the Volunteer Service program promotes and facilitates opportunities to build partnerships between VSU and the community through service, while encouraging a sense of civic responsibility among students through critical engagement and participation in the Valdosta community. VSU’s Mission Statement: The Office of Student Life mission is to promote student development and leadership by providing quality programs and services that fulfill the diverse educational, recreational, social, and multicultural needs of the student population and the university community.

9. How can you get involved? Student Action Council The Student Action Council (SAC) is a student run organization that offers valuable experience in the area of volunteerism. The council consists of 5 committees which are Public Relations, Special Events, Blazer STEAM, Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week, and Adopt-A-Grandparent. The members of the board develop, plan, and implement various programs for VSU's students, faculty, and staff. This is a wonderful organization for students interested in volunteerism or non-profit management. All students with a 2.5 GPA and above are welcome to apply for membership. Blazer STEAM Blazer STEAM (Students Tutoring, Educating, and Mentoring) is an academic tutor program that gives VSU students the opportunity to educate and mentor elementary school children. This is an excellent program for students in education or students that enjoy working with children. All tutors will complete a workshop that addresses issues concerning tutoring and mentoring young children. Adopt-A-Grandparent This program pairs VSU students with elderly community members for socialization purposes. Students will meet with their partner a couple times per week to participate in activities such as scrapbook designs, games, or engaging conversation. All students in the program complete a workshop addressing the issues and concerns of the elderly population.

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