While daylight recedes earlier and the temperatures drop, there are several charity opportunities up and coming to make this season the warmest one yet. Whether it's bidding on dates or buying gifts for needy children, Ashley Thompson recognizes the opportunity, especially this month, to help those in need.
"It's a great month to get students together and let them participate in activities that truly help the community," Thompson, graduate assistant in the Office of Student Life, said.
On Saturday, the Second Saturday Services project, hosted by Student Voluntary Services, began with venturing to downtown Muncie's historical and cultural center, Minnetrista, for horticultural volunteer work.
"It's definitely a getting-dirty-project with working outside," said Angelina Zulas, junior social work major who also serves as the student representative on the SVS executive board.
Yet volunteering doesn't always mean dirty work; it could also mean dinner and a movie. The Ball State University Dance Marathon is raising money for their event through a date auction in which participants can bid cash on their favorite bachelor. It is at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the Fine Arts Building room 217. There is a $2 entry fee, and all of the proceeds will go to the Riley Hospital for Children.
As for the various collection boxes around campus, they present another opportunity to benefit others and fulfill community needs. The BSU Timmy Global Health Club is hosting a Medicine Supply Drive to collect over-the-counter medicines to be used during the Medical Brigade Ecuador in March of 2012. Emily Sullivan, president of the BSU Timmy Global Health project, said she sees a great need in medical supplies as over half of Ecuador lacks such items.
"Each year, our group takes around 15 students, 10 medical professionals and all the medical supplies we collected throughout the year, on our trip," Sullivan said. "During the medical brigade, we work with the local medical professionals and visit five local communities ... These medical supply drives determine the success of our medical brigades. We distribute everything we collect, so the more donations we receive, the more patients we can help."
Collection boxes are set up in David Letterman Communication and Media Building, Teachers College, Robert Bell and the Office of Student Life through Friday. Items needed include vitamins (not gummies), Advil, Tylenol and Tums.
Other collection boxes are for A Better Way, a local domestic violence shelter. Students are encouraged to donate deodorant, hairspray and soap. Ethnic hair products and winter items are high in demand as well, said Alexandria White, graduate assistant of Excellence in Leadership.
The Angel Tree project runs from today until Dec. 5th. The program has a Christmas tree, which has the names and wish lists of children who would ordinarily be unable to receive Christmas gifts. The tree will is in the Student Life Office in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center.
"Angel Tree is an amazing opportunity to give to those that won't be expecting anything for Christmas ... It's keeping alive the love of the holidays, no matter your religious background, and providing kids happy holidays," Zulas said. "Plus it's a great way to get involved, if you've participated in any of our programs, then you are a member of SVS."
If students are interested in any of these activities or would like more information, they can contact Student Voluntary Services at 765-285-2621.
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