Community Engagement Blog

How we do community engagement at Missouri State

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Emergency Packs (E-Packs)

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What are E-Packs? 

E-Packs (or Emergency Packs) are bags of non-perishable food and snack items that are designed to provide students with food for two to three days. These packs are currently in “satellite pantries” in three locations on campus: the Bear Cub Pantry in the Bear Claw in Meyer Library, RCASH Student Success Center in Strong Hall, and Forsythe Athletic building (for student athletes only). The packs are different from visiting the pantry in that, all items are in a “grab and go” style, saving time and extending pantry hours for students who may not have the time to get to the pantry during opening hours.
 

The current packs available on MSU campus include:  

  • Mac n’ cheese 
  • Tuna packets 
  • Granola bars 
  • Peanut butter crackers 
  • Peanut butter packs 
  • Goldfish 
  • Trail mix 
  • Fruit snacks 
  • Ramen 
  • Applesauce  
  • Shelf stable yogurt packs 
  • Oatmeal 
  • Rice packs 
  • Tuna and cracker packs 
  • Beef sticks 

We anticipate this program to be well utilized and would like to add products to the packs as there is need. 

More information about E-packs can be found here: https://tigerpantry.missouri.edu/emergency-food-packs/ 

Half Way Through!

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Hey Bears – Angela here!

You’ve almost made it to midterms! Congrats!

Listed below are Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities within our area.

If you aren’t already signed up, Give Pulse and the Point App

are two great resources for finding local volunteer events.

If you have any questions, please email us –>  cce@missouristate.edu

Eden Village

Every THIRD Saturday of each month is a general work day at Eden Village. The more help the better! The time is from 9:00 to noon and we will even feed you pizza for lunch if you choose to stay! This work is mostly outdoors such as landscaping, gardening, painting, cleaning etc.

Location is at Eden Village 2 at 3155 W Brower. Hope to see you there!
Available Dates to Sign-up:
11/20/21
01/15/22
02/19/22
03/19/22

OATS, Inc. Fund-A-Bus Shoe Drive

OATS, Inc. Launches Fund-A-Bus Shoe Drive (Columbia, MO, October 30, 2017) – OATS, Inc., a Missouri-based non-profit company, is conducting a Fund-A-Bus shoe drive, which will run through the end of this year to raise money for a new bus. OATS will earn money based on the total weight of shoes collected, and hopes to collect more than 2,500 pair of shoes. OATS has partnered with Funds2Orgs, who will issue a check for the collected shoes. The money raised will go toward the 20% local match to purchase a new bus. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at any OATS’ regional office or by giving to any OATS’ driver. Donated shoes are redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise partners. They work with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. “We are excited about the shoe drive,” said Susan Streit, Volunteer Coordinator. “We raise money to help with the purchase of a new vehicle, plus we have the chance to help families in developing countries who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.” By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to OATS, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world. OATS, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation providing transportation for the rural general public of all ages, to those with disabilities and senior citizens in 87 Missouri counties. Our services range from taking toddlers to pre-school, getting people to work each day, taking people to life-saving appointments, and shopping so they can continue to live independently in their own communities. OATS has grown to be one of the largest and most unique systems of its kind in the country. More information can be found at www.oatstransit.org. or email Susan at: sstreit@oatstransit.org. Reach out if you can help collect shoes.

Newspaper Reader

Audio-Reader is seeking volunteer readers for a daily (M-F) live broadcast of Springfield-area newspapers. Time commitment is once per week, 2.5 hours from 1:30-4pm. The broadcast will originate from the Missouri Council of the Blind Thrift Store, 2713 N Kansas Expy in Springfield. Auditions will be held there January 23-24, 2018. For more info or to schedule an audition, call Jennifer at 785-864-4604 or email jnigro@ku.edu.
Positions
20 Remaining
Age Limit
18 and up
Requirement Details
Volunteers must pass an audition consisting of a 100 word pronunciation test and a series of reading samples. Auditions will be held January 23-24. Contact Jennifer at 785-864-4604 or jnigro@ku.edu to schedule.
Road To Recovery- American Cancer Society

Road To Recovery is an American Cancer Society program designed to help improve the quality of life and reduce barriers to care for cancer patients undergoing active treatment by transporting them to and from cancer-related treatment appointments.

The Road To Recovery Volunteer driver can help provide people with transportation to and from their cancer-related treatment appointments. Drivers donate their time and the use of their personal vehicles to help ensure that people with cancer get the treatments they need. Volunteer drivers are also there to show support and provide information and resource referrals coordinated through the American Cancer Society.

Responsibilities include:

·         Follows program guidelines and maintains required volunteer eligibility requirements.

·         Provides ride(s) as agreed upon.

·         Verification of completed COVID-19 vaccination status

·         Completes all necessary transportation documentation information.

·         Reports all changes with contact information, availability, insurance coverage and driving eligibility to the Society in a timely manner.

·         Reports traffic accidents and violations to the Society within 24 hours of occurrence.

·         Abides by the Society’s privacy and confidentiality policies.

·         Internet access.

Positions
10 Remaining
Requirement Details

Volunteer Driver Qualifications:

·      Drivers must be between 18 and 84

·         Good driving record

·         Current, valid driver’s license

·         Access to safe reliable vehicle

·         Proof of adequate automobile insurance

·         Complete American Cancer Society training course and background check

·         Availability Monday through Saturday during the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

·         If cancer survivor, must be one year post-treatment.

 

We are looking forward to a great second half of the semester!
Enjoy the break and Happy Volunteering!

Welcome Back!

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Hey Bears Welcome Back

Welcome Back Bears! We are so excited for this new school year and all the great opportunities we have coming up!

About Us

We wanted to take a quick minute and introduce our support team here in the Center for Community Engagement.

The CCE has three main points of contact:

Director Alex Johnson(center):alexjohnson@missouristate.edu

Graduate Assistant Hollie Bickel(left):Bickel614@live.missouristate.edu

Graduate Assistant Angela Smith(right): as433s@missouristate.edu

Hey My name is Alex Johnson I am the Director of the Center for Community Engagement.

In my spare time, I enjoy all things outdoors, including fishing, wake boarding, boating, biking, and hiking. I am always excited to serve as a resource as students contribute their knowledge and experiences to the community to create positive social change as active citizens.Favorite color: Maroon, of course

Hey guys! My name is Angela Smith and I am one of the Graduate Assistants in the CCE.

My role is to help coordinate volunteer programs and oversee the Bear pantry. I was an Americorps member prior to this and have loved working within the pantry to help support students faculty and staff. I am grateful to have the opportunity to help give back to students, non profits and community as they are both important to me. Having the ability to help students connect is so important. I am looking forward to this school year and interacting with each of you!

Hello everyone! My name is Hollie Bickel and I am one of the graduate assistants in the CCE this year!

My role is to mainly coordinate Bear Breaks. Bear Breaks are immersion trips that students can sign up for on the CCE website. They are an awesome way to get involved in community service while exploring a cool town outside of Springfield. I chose to work at the CCE because I have always had a passion for community service. I’ve volunteered at many organizations in the Springfield and St. Louis area and I am really excited to help others get connected to service organizations while being a student at MSU!

Volunteer Opportunities:

 

Bear Service Days

West Central Garden will be hosting a service Day September 16th 2023 from 12-4.

Any and all are welcome.

Bear Service Days will be September 30th from 9am-1pm, we will be meeting at the PSU(131)

From there we will be driving to location, sign up via QR

 

 

 

 

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Fall semester blood drive at MSU is coming.

CBCO will be on campus ready for donors Tuesday, August 29, Wednesday, August 30 and Thursday, August 31, 2023, in the PSU Ballroom East.  We are so excited to invite MSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff to serve our community by saving lives of those in need in our local hospitals. With the help of the SAC, SGA, Gamma Sigma Sigma, and YOU, we hope to see 150 BEARS to come to the three-day blood drive to “stick out a paw and donate!”   Each donor will receive their choice of an approved custom MSU Bear blood donor t-shirt (while supplies last) or our zoo-themed shirt celebrating our partners at the Dickerson Park Zoo’s 100th birthday. (see poster for details) Donors will also receive two free tickets to the Dickerson Park Zoo and will have the chance to win other prizes sponsored by the Student Activities Council.  Free pizza for all donors.

 

You can help us reach more donors!
  • Make an appointment or walk in to donate!
  • Share the digital poster and website www.cbco.org/mostate on your personal or group social media.
  • Invite a buddy to come with you to donate.
  • Share a photo of yourself or a buddy donating.
  • Stop by the SAC Blood Drive table in the PSU Monday, August 21st, from 11 am – 2 pm and again on Tuesday, August 29th, from 11 am – 2 pm to make an appointment and hear about the drawing for donors.

Appointments are helpful, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can also be made by scanning the QR code on any poster or sign on campus.

Care to Learn
 Care to Learn is a Springfield-based non-profit organization that partners with schools and community members across Missouri to provide immediate funding to meet the critical health, hunger, and hygiene needs of students so that they can be successful in school.
-In 2008, Care to Learn started with one goal: to fill the health, hunger, and hygiene gaps for Springfield students living in poverty. What started out as a partnership with one school district has now expanded to more than 42 communities and counting!

We have a big fundraising event – School Soiree 2023 – planned for September 14, and we’d love the help of MSU student organizations to make the event a success.

We’re looking for volunteers for the following:
  • 8-20 volunteers to help with unloading two box trucks on 9/13/23 from Noon to 2pm at White River Conference Center
  • 8-12 volunteers to help with set-up and assembly on 9/13/23 from 4-6pm at White River Conference Center
  • 8-12 volunteers on 9/14/23 from 10am to Noon to assemble and set up outdoor equipment
  • 8-20 volunteers on 9/14/23 from 8-11pm to tear down and load trucks.

Any group interested in volunteering can reach out to me directly via email (erica@caretolearn.org) or phone (417) 862-7771.

Us at the CCE are looking forward to a new year and having the opportunity to  meet you!

 

Canned Foods and Nutrition: Building a Balanced Meal at the Bear Pantry

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The spring semester brings with it chilly winds and freezing temperatures- perfect weather to enjoy warm and comforting foods you can find at the Bear Pantry! Today, we’re sharing two yummy soup recipes that you can make with canned goods and using nothing but a can opener and a microwave.

Join me for a Step-by-Step Demonstration

Chicken & Dumplings and Beef, Black Bean, and Rice Stew are both balanced recipes that are packed with high-quality protein, energy-boosting grains, and loads of veggies.

One thing we want to watch out for when using canned foods in our recipes is sodium content. The American Heart Association recommends that we keep salt to less than 2300 mg/day. This can be hard to do when we rely on affordable and shelf-stable canned foods! Here are three tips for reducing sodium content in your recipes:

  1. Look for Low-Sodium, No Sodium or No Salt Added options on the shelves.
  2. Rinse and drain proteins, beans, and vegetables before adding to the dish. Most of the salt is in the liquid!
  3. Avoid adding more salt if possible. Boost the flavor using generous amounts of herbs, spices, and lemon juice.

 

The Rotary Club of Springfield Downtown supports the BearPantry

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The Rotary Club of Springfield Downtown has raised a generous $1,010 for the Pantry to purchase a new freezer!  This generous donation makes a BIG difference in the lives of Missouri State’s students, faculty, and staff.  We currently have limited space and can only accept so many donations. With the addition of a new freezer, we will be able to accept more items, increase food shelf life, and provide a wide variety of nutritional foods to our campus. 

Thank you for your donation and support!

Visit our website to learn more http://www.missouristate.edu/CCE/bear-pantry.htm