Campus United Way
These days, college students are busier than ever. A full load of classes, part-time jobs, sports games, Greek life, and honor’s societies…the list goes on and on. Despite all these extra-curricular activities, many of them still make time to volunteer with various service projects or reoccurring opportunities like Read to Succeed.
Campus United Way is an organization at Southeast Missouri State University that aims to promote volunteerism among college students. The group hopes to continue building partnerships with other campus organizations by participating in their service projects and inviting them to also join in on Campus United Way’s projects.
Below are some of the exciting events Campus United Way has been a part of this semester!
September: Participated in the campus-wide Health and Wellness Fair by sharing information about the benefits of volunteering. Did you know people who volunteer report increased levels of happiness, decreased levels of stress, and a greater sense of control over their lives?
October: Partnered with Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity, to facilitate Halloween activities at Boys and Girls Club the Monday and Wednesday prior to Halloween. The children had a ton of fun decorating cookies and cupcakes, making Halloween pictures, making and eating “Boo Mix,” and decorating pumpkins donated by SEMO’s Horticulture Club. Look at those smiling faces!
November: Collected canned goods between November 17th and November 21st to be donated to local food pantries. The club asked mainly for donations of soup, canned vegetables, pasta, and rice. Local club members also helped serve at the Salvation Army’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner.
December: Decorated Christmas cards for the American Red Cross’s “Holiday Mail for Heroes” campaign which ships Christmas cards to service members overseas. Check out the awesome artwork! The group will also be helping Salvation Army collect monetary donations through their Holiday bell-ringing campaign and providing Christmas gifts to a family through Safe House for Women’s Adopt a Family campaign.
If you are a college student who would like to get involved with Campus United Way, please consider coming to a meeting next semester. The group meets on a bi-weekly basis—typically on Sunday evenings. If you are not a college student but are still interested in community volunteer opportunities, please click hereto view our December newsletter
