ERIKETA COST
Life & Arts Editor
For students looking to get involved in the community, a fair is being offered by the Volunteer and Community Services.
Next Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the William Center MPR, students will have the opportunity to walk around and meet several different volunteer representatives.
They will get a chance to talk, sign up and learn more about each group’s mission.
Some of the participating volunteer services include Red Cross Blood Drive, Boys and Girls Club, American Cancer Society, St. Columbans Greystone Nature Preserve, Fire Department, WCA Home, Chautauqua Center and Habitat for Humanity.
Joyce Smith is the volunteer services coordinator who has helped organize the event.
“It is important that students engage in the community,” said Smith. “Volunteering does make a difference, and it’s a way to give back to the community.”
Emily Staniszewski is a service chair for Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity. “This is my second year being involved with the fair,” she said. “This opened my eyes to so many opportunities locally.”
She has participated in many events throughout the year, including Feeding Fredonia and various blood drives.
“One pint of blood can save up to three lives,” Staniszewski said.
Senior English major Lucas Butchko is another student who has taken advantage of service opportunities the community has to offer.
“I’ve always found that offering service to the local community has been a great way to make the community appreciative of the student body here, and the community service fair is a fantastic way to find a service opportunity that you’re truly interested in,” he said.
Other upcoming community service events involve a beach sweep and a blood drive.