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Local organizations seek volunteers for the holiday season
A little help from students can go a long way for local non-profits
Katherine White
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: News
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Non-profit organizations located in Greenville, which include the Salvation Army, Goodwill and My Sister's Closet, along with additional non-profit organizations, are in need of student volunteers to ensure their duties are accomplished this holiday season.
The Salvation Army is currently welcoming student volunteers to serve in various areas throughout the holiday season.
Robert Frye, business administrator for the Salvation Army, wants students to know there are a number of ways students can help.
"The quickest way students can volunteer is participating in the Christmas Kettle bell ringing program. There are plenty of time slots available and we work around schedules," Frye said.
The Salvation Army generated 300 to 400 volunteers during last year's holiday season, Frye said.
Students are welcomed to volunteer anytime Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, for kettle workers, volunteering begins on Thursday, Nov. 12, according to Frye.
Frye said volunteer kettle workers are required to attend an orientation program at the Salvation Army, located on 2337 Dickinson Ave. Students can also volunteer at the Salvation Army Thrift Store and assist in mentoring children.
Prior to mentoring children, volunteers will be subject to a mandatory background checks because they will be working with children.
"Background checks usually take anywhere from 48 hours to several days, depending on the number of states the individual has lived in," Frye said.
Reade Walker, a junior at ECU, understands the importance of volunteering, but is notifying students of another way to volunteer.
"I feel volunteering is important but I am a student and I won't have time," he said. "As a student, I feel like the best thing we can do is go through our closet and pull out the clothes that we don't wear anymore to help those in need. Some students may take for granted basic necessities that we have two of, where others may have none."
Along with the need of student volunteers from the Salvation Army, My Sister's Closet is also extending a warm hand.
Shirrelle Thomas, manager of My Sister's Closet which is located at 2810 E. 10 St., works alone in the morning until her staff comes in during the afternoon.
"I work by myself until the staff comes in," Thomas said. "We are a non-profit organization so sometimes we do not have full coverage. That is the nature of a non-profit."
My Sister's Closet is looking for volunteers who can help with sorting, steaming, keeping the store tidy and handling customer service.
"It is crucial to have help during the holiday because we get a lot of donations and we need to get stuff out that people want to buy," Thomas said.
Students who wish to volunteer should contact the Salvation Army by calling 252-756-3388 or My Sister's Closet at 252-754-2495.
"It is the season of giving," Walker reminded. "Let's do our part."
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
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