Get Good Karma: Volunteer Opportunities Around Harrisonburg

If you’re anything like me, all this chilly weather is making you a little blue. What better way to lift your spirits and build some good karma than lending your time to an organization or charity that needs some extra help?

If you’re involved in any organizations on campus, chances are you’re required to do some sort of community service. Well, required or not, there are tons of opportunities to lend a hand anywhere around the ‘Burg. Volunteering is a wonderful way to get connected with the community around you, build your resume, and, most importantly, enrich the lives of others.

Here’s a break down of a few different places around the area that are always looking for help.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters
What’s the deal?
According to their website, the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is “to make a positive, measurable difference in the lives of children by promoting self-esteem, expanding awareness of life's opportunities, and providing education, guidance, and support through professionally-supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships.” You get to hang out with your “little bro or sis” at least once a week and be a positive influence in their lives. Not to mention, this is an excuse to listen to Miley Cyrus as much as you want without getting nasty looks from your roommate.

How can you get involved?
There’s an online application to fill out and a $20 application fee. After you’ve been accepted into the program, you’re free to hang out with your new friend as much as you want! Visit http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.ieJMIWOyEnH/b.3560037/k.C815/Big_Brothers_Big_Sisters_of_HarrisonburgRockingham_County.htm for more information.

A JMU student’s perspective:
“A good volunteer is someone who likes kids, has a free hour every week, and a desire to be a role model and make a difference in the life of a kid who is struggling in one way or another. This really is an easy commitment that helps you learn that it's the little things that count. You really can make someone's day simply by giving them your undivided attention for one hour and engaging them in fun tasks. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a great program that I am so happy I got involved in,” says junior Lucy Madden. Lucy has been a Big Sister to the same little girl for about a year.

SPCA
What’s the deal?
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was formed to provide stray, abused, and neglected animals a home and food. Harrisonburg has its very own SPCA that is home to cats, dogs, and some small mammals (oh, and some of the most adorable puppies and kittens you could ever imagine). As a volunteer, you would be “socializing” the animals. This involves walking them, playing with them, and even training them. Basically, if you miss your dog or cat that you left behind when you came to college, this is the perfect warm and fuzzy fix.

How can you get involved?
Visit the Rockingham/Harrisonburg SPCA website (www.rhspca.org). In order to volunteer, you need to complete a two-hour training course. You can call and sign up for a time. As soon as you’ve completed the course, you’re free to play with the animals as often as you want.

A JMU student’s perspective:
Senior Sara Shedlosky has been volunteering at the SPCA about once a week since last fall. “My favorite part is seeing how happy the animals are to have a friend to play with and I am so happy to be able to spend time with the animals since they are all so sweet and all they want is a loving, caring home. It also makes me really happy when I return the following week and notice that a lot of the animals have been adopted,” Sara shares.

Bridgewater Nursing Home
What’s the deal?
Volunteering at the Bridgewater Nursing Home simply involves hanging out with the elderly residents. This is such a cool opportunity to learn about different people and perspectives on life. Working at the Bridgewater Nursing Home gives you an opportunity to adopt as many grandmas and grandpas as you can handle!

How can you get involved?
Visit their website to get all the important info about how to volunteer: http://www.bridgewaterretirement.org/html/lower.cfm?page=volunteering

A JMU student’s perspective:
Junior Sara Betz has been lending her time to the Bridgewater Nursing home almost every Sunday since last semester. “My favorite part of going to Bridgewater is talking to all the people in the community and hearing about their lives and stories. I like how if you spend just five minutes with them or smile at them you can brighten up their day,” Sara says. “I would recommend anyone who is compassionate and loves to hear stories or likes getting to know someone to work with elderly people.”

If you have some extra time, give back to the community that gives so much to you. Choose the organization that’s the best fit for you and lend your helping hand.