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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!

Give Pulse Provides Students with Service Opportunities

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The beginning of the semester is a wonderful time to start looking for and signing up for volunteer opportunities! Whether you are looking for service hours for a club, scholarship, or just for fun, Give Pulse is a great place to start.  

Many organizations in the Springfield community use Give Pulse to post their service opportunities. After you sign up on Give Pulse, you can enter your location to see what events are near you. This can be very helpful if you are hoping to stay near campus! Before selecting a date and time, you can read about the organization and what tasks you may be doing. In addition, with each event, you will see how many slots the organization is trying to fill. Lastly, if you have questions prior to the service opportunity, you can contact the person who created the event.  

To sign up and see service opportunities on Give Pulse, click here!  

Service opportunities on Give Pulse.

 

“Keeping Babies Healthy and Happy” With Diaper Bank of the Ozarks

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What is the Diaper Bank of the Ozarks? 

The Diaper Bank of the Ozarks’ vision is to meet needs for all babies. They provide disposable and cloth diapers to partner agencies serving families in need throughout the Ozarks.  

Did You Know? 

  • Public assistance programs (such as SNAP) do not cover the cost of diapers 
  • 1 out of every 3 families struggle to afford diapers  
  • Diapers cost $75-$100 a month, this means that some families may be choosing between diapers and other basic needs (food, rent, etc.) 

When families don’t have access to diapers, health and social consequences may result. Problems that may result look like: unhappy babies, unhealthy communities, undereducated toddlers, and stressed parents. 

How to Serve? 

  • Donate – you can provide monetary donations here.
  • Volunteer – depending on the status of the pandemic, you may be able to find volunteer opportunities here.
  • Host a drive – if you are interested in hosting your own drive, you can find resources and information here.

In Need?

  • If one is in need of disposable diapers, they can go to the Diaper Bank of the Ozarks’ website here to see local agencies carrying diapers.  
  • If one is in need or interested in cloth diapers, they can look into the cloth diaper loan program. For information on the cloth diaper loan program they can go here.

Information from: Diaper Bank of the Ozarks.  

Serve and Get Your Hands Dirty with Springfield Community Gardens

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Are you looking for more opportunities to serve? Do you like getting your hands dirty? If so, think about serving for Springfield Community Gardens! Springfield Community Gardens provides numerous opportunities to serve at a garden, whether it be Brentwood Christian Church Community Garden, Amanda Belle’s Farm, Meador Community Gardens, Midtown Community Garden, or MSU’s Campus Garden.  

What you can expect from these opportunities is to plant, water, weed, and harvest produce. It is important to dress appropriately, wear closed toe shoes, bring a water bottle, and wear a mask. It doesn’t matter if you need service hours or simply want to give back, Springfield Community Gardens would love to have you! 

To sign up:  

https://www.givepulse.com/group/events/230640 

Building a City Where No One Sleeps Outside

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What is Eden Village?

The organization began as the “Gathering Tree,” a safe hangout spot open in the evenings for the homeless to play games, get coffee, and use the computers. Eventually, the Gathering Tree grew into a tiny home community known as Eden Village in 2018.  

Eden Village offers housing for homeless and disabled individuals in Springfield, MO. This community is made up of tiny homes, a community center, and a garden. A full kitchen, laundry room, computers, offices, and book and DVD library fill the shared community center for all to use. In addition to providing these tangible resources, Eden Village supports residents with an opportunity to gain service skills. They may work in the community garden, woodworking shop, and neighborhood store.  

Village Locations:  

  • Village 1 – 2801 E Division 
  • Village 2 – 3155 W Brower 

How to Serve?  

  • Sign up for their monthly volunteer events – Third Saturday Workdays to help with: 
    • Landscaping 
    • Gardening
    • Painting  
    • Cleaning  
  • Check out other opportunities Eden Village provides on Give Pulse 
  • Fill out the volunteer form on their website 
  • Contact Nate and Kelbi Schlueter at 417-894-3972