Numerous Volunteer Opportunities Available to Students Through the SERVE Center

First-year students who are interested in volunteering on campus or in the Kirksville community should go to the SERVE Center to become acquainted with the opportunities available. 

The SERVE Center, currently located in the Student Union office, assists and promotes student involvement in community service.

The SERVE Center provides information about organizations that are looking for volunteers and assists volunteers in contacting someone involved in a particular project. Students can fill out an information sheet at the SERVE Center, on the Web site at http://serve.truman.edu/, by e-mail at serve@truman.edu or by phone at 785.7222. This allows the Center to notify a volunteer of an opportunity that appeals to their interests.

SERVE Center Adviser Amy Currier said she estimates that at least half of Truman students participate in some form of service for various reasons. They may serve for the opportunity to get involved, for the chance to help and interact with community members, or simply to continue the volunteering they began in high school.

The SERVE Center on Truman's campus is a big help to the students and to community members seeking volunteers. The Center matches students' individual tastes with agencies in the community and on campus. Their motto "Helping You Help Others" reflects this purpose.
In addition to the many ongoing service projects in which students and groups participate, numerous unique opportunities and events are planned each year.

The SERVE Center coordinates a citywide service project called the Big Event. Each spring, Truman students say a big thank you to the people of Kirksville for their support of the University. This gathering of volunteers is the largest event sponsored by Truman's SERVE Center each year.

In the fall, students help set up, clean up and direct runners at the NEMO triathlon. They also raise money for the Northeast Missouri Special Olympics during the annual "Bowl for Gold" event. This fall the SERVE Center will host the second annual Big Week of Giving, a weeklong service event.  During The Big Week of Giving, The SERVE Center teams up with other organizations on campus to host different service events each day.  In addition, students are encouraged to donate canned foods, clothing, and toys all week.

Fifty volunteers lead games and entertain children at the Thompson Center Halloween Carnival, and students interact with the elderly at the St. Andrews Holiday Tea party. Student groups organize the Ryle Holiday Market each winter to raise money for Victim Support Services.

Spring events include organizing and visiting schools for a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.  In addition, each spring students join The SERVE Center in raising awareness for heart disease by wearing red on Wear Red Day and raising money for The American Heart Association's Heart Walk. 

Many organizations also sponsor blood drives and run/walk fund-raisers for various community philanthropies throughout the year.

For more information about the mentioned volunteer opportunities, contact the SERVE Center at 785.7222.

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