By Shannon Sigamoni
Coordinator, SU Volunteer Center
Diakonia. Coastal Hospice at the Lake. M.A.C., Inc. For many on the Lower Eastern Shore, these organizations represent assistance for those in need, from those seeking food and shelter, to individuals with disabilities or even terminal illness, to seniors seeking to remain active.
But who helps the organizations when they’re in need? That’s when the United Way comes in. The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, Inc., helps support 54 programs throughout the region, including those above.
At Salisbury University, we are proud to be home to the first Student United Way chapter in Maryland. Its primary goal: to offer students an opportunity to contribute to the community in a meaningful and positive way. They volunteer and advocate for lasting social change in our region.
The Student United Way is one of many organizations on campus that gives back to the community year-round. There are so many clubs, societies, classes and individual students who contribute that it would be difficult to list them all here.
During the holidays, volunteering takes on a special significance for many. The following is a sampling of ways the SU community contributes this season:
- The Guerrieri University Center hosts its 11th annual Tournament of Trees in December. SU organizations decorate three-foot, pre-lit Christmas trees for a chance to win prizes. The trees are displayed in the center’s Fireside Lounge in early December before being given to residents served by local charities.
- Blackwell Library reminds us that people are not the only beings who are homeless and hungry. Its annual “Be a Hero for Homeless Animals” drive benefits area humane societies. The drive continues through Wednesday, December 10. A list of needed items, such as dog and cat food, and collection boxes are located near the library’s circulation desk.
- Through the SU Volunteer Center, students have signed up to chaperone children in need when they purchase gifts for loved ones and themselves during the Salisbury Jaycees’ annual Children’s Christmas Shopping Tour. Students also assist with the organization’s 68th annual Salisbury Christmas Parade, scheduled Sunday, December 7.
- Also through the Volunteer Center, students are participating in the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree program, purchasing gifts for children with parents who are incarcerated.
- The Salisbury Pops collects donations for the Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign during its annual Holiday Concert 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, in Holloway Hall Auditorium.
- Participants in the SU Intramural Office’s annual Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run were asked to bring in a toy or make a $5 donation to Toys For Tots. The Perdue School of Business also is collecting items for Toys For Tots through Friday, December 12.
- The Guerrieri University Center’s GUC Cares program celebrated World Kindness Day with a 10-day “Hunger is Not Acceptable” food drive in November to benefit the Joseph House shelter.
- Members of the SU chapter of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity collected items and hosted a bake sale to raise funds for Operation We Care, which sends care packages to U.S. military personnel serving overseas.
- SU’s athletic trainers and student athletic trainers collected canned and non-perishable food, as well as toiletries and socks, throughout November to benefit the Joseph House shelter. The tradition, dating back over a decade, has supplied more than 1,500 pounds of food for the homeless and less fortunate since its inception.
- Some 650 students partnered with community neighbors to pick up litter, rake leaves, sweep and perform other tasks during the Student Government Association’s seventh annual “I Love Salisbury” cleanup event in November.
- Students in Paula Morris’ promotions classes have spent the semester organizing and hosting fundraisers for area non-profit organizations, including Coastal Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, the Delmarva Zoological Society, the Wicomico County Health Department, and local elementary and high school programs.
- As Helen Keller once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” We hope you will join us in making the holidays brighter for others.
