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, located on the main floor of the Student Union Building, 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 Advisor 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 these 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 year’s Bowl for Gold event will kick off a new weeklong service event, “The BIG Week of Giving.” The SERVE Center, with the help of other service organizations, will be coordinating a daily service opportunity throughout the week of Nov. 11-17.

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 dancing with the elderly at the Day in May Dance and organizing and visiting schools for a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Additionally, students provide free tax e-filing as a service to the community.

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

A unique service that Truman music students provide to the community is the Ray Miller Strings Program. Students visit the elementary school twice a week to give lessons to these children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn orchestral instruments at a young age.

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