The semester is FINALLY over (well, ALMOST over…technically) and your summer may or may not consist of being a bum by the pool or on the couch, but who can really judge? This year seems like it took forever and a day to end and after being involved with a variety of clubs and taking above the recommended amount of credit hours, there is nothing that seems more inviting than the AC on full blast and watching endless amounts of reality TV and/or infomercials that will rot the brain cells that have developed after another year of higher education.
But for those whose summer plans are a still up in the air or those who feel that laying around all summer just won’t cut it, maybe it’s time to consider volunteering. Here are a few places you can look into spending a few hours a week at that will be helpful to both the community and your sense of accomplishment. Plus, then your parents won’t be able to pull the “you-didn’t-do-anything-this-summer-you’re-so-lazy-and-ungrateful” card).
1. Habitat for Humanity (Watauga County and so many other cities/counties)
Who Should Volunteer? – Anyone who likes to get his/her hands dirty and likes to be able to see a finished product (the house!)
Type of Work? – Depending on how many houses are being constructed and their stages of completion, the work will vary. Some require the use of power tools to put together railings and other parts of the house while some may require painting and putting the finishing touches on the house.
What You Need To Know – Make sure you call in advance to find out specific work days and complete the required paperwork, which usually just involves signing a waiver. Don’t worry if you’ve never handled power tools before either because there is always a designated supervisor who will instruct you on how to use the tools and show you what to do. Also, wear heavy, closed-toed shoes; preferably work boots or sneakers of some sort — looking good takes a back seat to safety in this case!
2. Humane Society (Watauga County and so many other places state- and nationwide)
Who Should Volunteer? – Anyone who likes to be around cute animals (a collective “AW” is expected).
Type of Work? – It varies on location, but the most well-known aspect of volunteering at the Humane Society is getting to walk the dogs and play with the cats. However, the cute, fuzzy faces shouldn’t overshadow the other areas that the Humane Society needs help with. Volunteers are also needed to wash and fold laundry and clean the vicinity, or work local adoption fairs, write grants and so much more!
What You Need To Know? – Call in advance so that they know to expect you and determine a time where they know they will need volunteers. Also, fill don’t forget to fill out any forms that they need. You don’t want to show up and have nothing to do to help the cute creatures.
3. Public Libraries (Watauga County and practically every other town/city/county in N.C.)
Who Should Volunteer? – Anyone who likes books (go figure, right?) and likes to be around people.
Type of Work? – Depending on the size of the library and the community, some volunteers may read to kids, re-shelve books, help out with adult service classes or help out during day camps that the library may provide.
What You Need To Know – Call or visit your local library to see what days/times volunteers are needed and what (if any) forms need to be filled out.