Giving back
Central Michigan does not have fantastic sandy beaches or enjoyable amusement parks.
So some students are finding other ways to spend their time this summer.
“I learned how to cook,” said Tiffany Fitch, a Grand Blanc senior who began volunteering at the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, 621 South Adams St., for her Human Environmental Studies field work class.
Mount Pleasant residents Christina and Michael Killarney came to the kitchen to “help the community,” Michael Killarney said.
Students like Fitch and city residents like the Killarneys are spending more and more time volunteering during the summer months.
And it’s not just because of some class requirement.
“It’s the people,” Fitch said.
Carol Moody, Mount Pleasant recreation coordinator, said there are a lot of opportunities available with Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation through Volunteer Central.
She posts opportunities to volunteer with Central Michigan University’s Volunteer Central.
Students can sign up online at www.stulife.cmich.edu/volunteer, but must drop off a release form at the Volunteer Central office, room 107 in the Bovee University Center, before volunteering.
Students can choose to work with children, the elderly, non-profit organizations and dozens of other groups.
One program Moody runs through Volunteer Central is called Start Smart, a sports readiness program for kids and parents. Currently, volunteers can help with a golf program, followed by soccer and basketball later in the summer; although experience in the sports is not necessary, Moody said.
CMU also holds various sports camps throughout the summer, and students can contact Sarah Whitman at 774-2151 to help.
“A lot of events are going on this summer that need help,” said Amy Terry, Wyandotte senior and Volunteer Central employee.
Other volunteer opportunities available this summer include – the Michigan Energy Fair this weekend at CMU, the Mount Pleasant Summer Fest June 21-25 at Island Park and the upcoming Mainstreet car show in Clare.
Later this year, students can volunteer to work at the haunted forest and football games, as well as to help new students moving into town.
Back at the soup kitchen, Mary Lou, who wouldn’t reveal her last name, showed off a closet filled with more than 100 jars of canned tomato sauce. Mount Pleasant residents Monica Barrett and Betty Gruss, who have been volunteering at the kitchen for a combined 25 years, made the sauce.
It is only the tip of their dedication to the soup kitchen.
“When you’re on vacation, on Fourth of July, they’re working here,” Mary Lou said.
The kitchen operates every day but Sunday and is hosting a rummage sale 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers are needed to work the event.
Students can contact Volunteer Central at 774-7685, as well as the Hurricane Katrina relief hotline at 1-888-535-6136 and the Mount Pleasant United Way at 1-989-773-9863 for more volunteering opportunities.
