Buckeyes serve the Columbus community
Written by Jill Schwendenmann
The holidays bring a sense of cheer and nostalgia as the season of giving approaches.
As students prepare for winter break, opportunities around campus provide plenty of ways to volunteer and serve the Columbus area.
Pay it Forward is a student organization within the office of student life that educates and exposes students to volunteer opportunities. These opportunities are civically- engaging and provide a channel to which students can pursue their passion to help others.
Student director, Louisa Wruck said that being a part of Pay it Forward has been one of the most special experiences of her time at Ohio State.
“One of the best things about joining Pay it Forward is celebrating this time of year through all the volunteer opportunities to connect with others who need our help,” Wruck said.
The Battle Against Hunger is a December, month-long project that brings awareness to food insecurity in the Columbus area by hosting a food drive through Pay it Forward. Students can donate non-perishable pantry items that will be distributed to the Columbus community during the holiday season.
Students can find joy and a sense of purpose through the generosity of their service.
Another student organization bringing awareness to those in need is the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Students hosted their annual, Holiday Toy Drive Fiesta last Saturday at the Frank Hall Cultural Center.
During the event, students collected and wrapped the donated toys. Members of the organization said they plan on distributing the toys to families in the Columbus area that have limited resources during the holiday season.
Karen Santos, a first-year said that volunteering makes her feel like she is a part of something great and knowing that she has a positive impact on someone’s family is an irreplaceable feeling.
“The Toy Drive Fiesta was one of the first big events I got to be a part of in college. Seeing students take the time to come together for a good cause during the busiest and most stressful time of the school year meant a lot,” Santos said.
The event made students feel grateful for the things they took for granted by helping those in need, Santos said that knowing the event could bring so many smiles to so many faces on Christmas made all the planning, time and effort worth it.
Student organizations not only provide entertainment and opportunity but also are a proactive way to integrate volunteers from the classroom into the community.
Source List:
Louisa Wruck 614–448–7178 phone interview Nov.27 10:05 a.m.
Karen Santos 740–409–0306 phone interview Nov. 20 7:15 p.m. and in-person interview Dec.2 3p.m. Frank Hall
Photos courtesy of Lousia Wruck
Photos of event courtesy of Jill Schwendenmann and Karen Santos
