The holidays are known as a time for giving and selfless action.
The University of Idaho’s Center for Volunteerism and Social Action is hosting its 16th annual Make a Difference Day from 9 a.m-12 p.m. Nov. 5.
“Make a Difference Day is a lot about just doing those big projects for community partners who might not have gotten the projects done as efficiently, otherwise,” said Anna Dolezal, community service coordinator with the Volunteer Center.
There are upwards of 450 students, she said, who will work with 22 organizations for the event.
“We’re able to do a lot of work with community partners … in terms of the volume of work that we get done, that’s one of the best things about the event,” Dolezal said. “But what’s hard about it is getting students to be invested in it.”
She said even though the event is only one day, it introduces students to something new and is an opportunity for them to find a new passion.
“I think putting in a little work at the beginning is always the hardest thing for people to get past,” said Elly Troutt, local service coordinator with the Volunteer Center.
Dolezal said the center has expanded its outreach and made progress connecting with students this year.
“I feel like our generation is really motivated, we care a lot about issues,” Dolezal said. “I think it’s cool to like put those passions into tangible projects and connect with people.”
During the event, student volunteers will scatter around the area helping business partners like Community Gardens and Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute. The Volunteer Center is there to help students find a place in the community and to become involved.
“I think one the best things that happened to me was working here,” Troutt said. “Because I’ve met some incredible, devoted, passionate people in this office and we’ve become friends.”
She said it is good for friends to volunteer together and socially connect while making a difference at the same time.
She started volunteering in junior high and continued on through the first few years of college, Troutt said. Then she became involved in the Volunteer Center, and sees herself working for this sort of cause as a career.
Dolezal said her desire to volunteer became poignant after coming home early from a semester in Australia. Dolezal began working at her local school, she said, with around 80 percent of students living below the poverty line.
“It helped me so much after coming home from that trip,” Dolezal said. “And so when I came to U of I to find an avenue where I could volunteer, I just loved that feeling that my time is valuable and meaningful.”
Though the event occurs once a year, Dolezal said she encourages students to come into the center to learn about a network of volunteer opportunities.
Troutt said the center incorporates everything in one thing, where students can create their own network while helping out others.
“It’s something that I like value so much personally,” Dolezal said. “In terms of no matter where in life, it can always be beneficial to you. Whenever you give of yourself there is just like a lot of … value in helping one another.”
Catherine Keenan can be reached at [email protected]