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9.23.04 Polly Davis, left, volunteer coordinator at Connie Maxwell Children's Home, greets a student. Erskine students discover ways to volunteer at annual service fair event Erskine College students had the opportunity to learn about almost 60 organizations represented Thursday at the annual Volunteer Service Fair at the Bowie Arts Center. “It was brilliant,” said Associate Dean of Students Penny Thomas, who started the service fair at Erskine eight years ago. “I think it’s humbling to see all these people directly involved in improving other people’s lives.” Thomas said a number of Erskine students volunteered to help Thursday’s event happen. “It follows our mission,” she said. “Volunteerism has been important to Erskine since it opened its doors in 1839.” Thomas said the fair provides a more structured environment to provide students with service opportunities. “Even if every student doesn’t sign up to volunteer, today we hope we’re planting seeds,” she said. Laurie Cordell, Emerald Center operations director in Greenwood, McCormick and Saluda, said events such as Erskine’s service fair provide an avenue that “allows students to work with special needs individuals and gives them a different perspective on life.” Elizabeth Schmelzenbach of Greater Greenwood United Ministry, said the event is an opportunity to increase awareness of her agency. “We provide students with information about our organization,” she said. “If they are interested in either volunteering or donating resources, we let them know what’s available.” Television personality Jack Roper of WSPA-TV 7 was the guest speaker at a luncheon that followed the fair. He talked about the importance of service and volunteerism. “When you get your mind off yourself and on others, life is much more rewarding,” Roper told the group. He said he learned about the importance of volunteerism from his father, who used to “ring the bell” for the Salvation Army each Christmas. But service is not always easy, Roper said from experience. “The hardest thing I’ve ever done is entertain people at nursing homes, but it also has been the most heart-warming and rewarding experience,” he said.
American Cancer Society's Hoyt Dorn, left, answers students' questions. |
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