The Pirate Post

MAKE A DIFFERENCE: VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN PORTAGE COUNTY

By: Abi Lenze & Jocelyn Nowak

As we transition into the holiday season, it is important to come together and give back to the community. Volunteering is beneficial in many ways and is a thoughtful way to get involved. Whether you’re looking for volunteer hours to add to your resume or just wondering how to bring more holiday cheer, volunteering is a great way to get started. Here are some community opportunities:

  • Ben Curtis Family Foundation
  • Birdie bag packing (All year)
  • Quality check elf (November 18-December 3)
  • Family and Community Services INC. 
  • Hot meal preparation
  • Youth sporting events
  • Coaches
  • Referees
  • Concession stands
  • Hospitals
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • American Red Cross
  • University Hospitals 
  • Aultman Hospital
  • Nursing homes
  • Animal shelters
  • Food pantries
  • Local churches 
  • Edinburg Church

Southeast High School constantly has volunteer opportunities on campus.  Christine Anzevino, head of the National Honor Society, is always searching for volunteers. Recently, she has allowed students to volunteer at Edinburg Church to help with baking apple pies, as well as going to the intermediate school to assist with the book fair. Athletic director and assistant principal, Patrick Youel, has also offered volunteer work, such as helping with the carnival games and the setup of Trunk or Treat. Leo’s club, run by teacher Mary Tarka, is a community service-based club and provides countless volunteer opportunities. The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, or FCCLA, led by consumer science teacher Stephanie Beitzel is another popular club that provides volunteer opportunities. If you are struggling to find somewhere to start, our teachers can help you. Volunteering is beneficial to more than just the people you are helping. It helps you, too. To graduate, you need two seals, and you can earn one of them through volunteer work. Community service also looks good on resumes when applying to college or the workforce. Many opportunities at hospitals and law firms may give you a basic understanding of what it’s like to work in that field. On a personal level, volunteering is good for your mental health. “It makes you feel good that you are caring and giving, and helping somebody else,” Anzevino said while reflecting on her time volunteering. Senior at Southeast High School and Leo’s Club president, Genevieve Brown wrote, “Just the thought that I can do something that can be bigger than myself really drives my motivation.”

Whether you are volunteering for school or for your personal benefit, volunteering can change your perspective and greatly impact the lives of others. Brown stated, “If you even think, hey, I’d love to help with that, all it takes is you to ask and you could be involved.” Volunteer today and start changing lives.