Start the year with G.I.V.E – ing

In addition to studying at Georgia College & State University, completing projects and other academic hoopla, students are encouraged to participate in volunteer projects outside the classroom.

Kendall Stiles, director of the G.I.V.E. Center on campus, has just the place for students to spend their time – several places in fact. As GC&SU’s volunteer hub, the G.I.V.E. Center offers students an abundance of student-coordinated programs and activities.

“We have several new programs kicking off this year,” Stiles said. “We are working on beginning a collegiate 4-H program and Alternative Spring Break.”

Warming Up America is another new program on campus this year.
Similar to the nationally recognized Project Linus, Warming Up America will provide security blankets to children with serious illnesses
or trauma, said Stiles.

Two new programs will take volunteers into kindergarten through third grade classrooms to teach valuable lessons. With the American Red Cross, the G.I.V.E Center is starting the Scrubby Bear program
where volunteers will teach about germs, hand washing and other cleanliness issues. Students can also volunteer to help out with Call 911 where children will learn what the emergency number is for, how to
call and what to do after the operator picks up.

“We think it’s easy, but sometimes children don’t know what to do after dialing,” Stiles said.

Students are also encouraged to volunteer with the Yellow Ribbon Project that offers education and counseling about depression and teen suicide.
Finally, Stiles said she is excited to invite all females and female organizations to participate in the second all woman’s build through the Habitat for Humanity.

Along with the new programs, Stiles reminds students that programs such as Best Buddies, Big Brother/Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity are still going strong and accepting helping hands.

According to Stiles there are five reasons that students should participate in volunteer programs. Topping the list she says is the chance to meet new people and have a fun time. Second is the idea of
values clarifications.

“Students have the chance to learn more about themselves and the things that are important in their lives,” she said.

Next, volunteering opens networking opportunities and lends to resume building. Students also learn about various career options and responsibilities that come with various titles. Lastly, Stiles said students obtain skills that are transferable and very important as
students enter the workforce. Leadership, communication and organization top that list, she said.

“Freshmen, transfers and returning students are encouraged to be volunteer and student coordinators,” said Stiles.

“I can’t train a student to become a coordinator, but I can teach them to have a passion to help other people,” said Stiles, adding that students must bring that passion with them.

Anyone interested in volunteering in any programs listed above or in starting a new program can contact Kendall Stiles or Kim Benfield at the G.I.V.E. Center at 445-5700 or stop by Ennis Hall.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 6 2002. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry