Miss WSSU encourages volunteerism with children

By Mignon TurnerSpecial to the ArgusWhat is the one thing that all college students need, but no one ever has enough of? No, not money, nor time, but yes, community service hours! If this response sounds familiar, then come join Miss Winston-Salem State University, the campus queens, and several other WSSU volunteers at the Salvation Army Girls’ and Boys’ Club on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. This year, the Boy’s and Girl’s Club sends vans to Winston-Salem State University to pick up interested volunteers each Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the parking circle in front of the Thompson Center and brings them back at 7 p.m. The Boy’s and Girl’s Club has over 200 youth from ages seven to 15. If unable to ride the bus on Wednesday, the Boys and Girls Club is open on Mondays through Fridays from 3:30 to 7 p.m., and volunteers are always welcome. The youth need instructional support in areas of math, reading, and writing. Several Winston-Salem State University volunteers have served over one hundred hours. Many of them have established strong relationships with the youth and improved their academic progress. Not only do the volunteers foster positive friendships, but several of them win awards for their commitment. As Miss WSSU, I encourage all students and organizations to take advantage of the free transportation sponsored by the Salvation Army Girls’ and Boys’ Club as well as several of the community service opportunities provided by Mr. Tanner in the Office of Career Services. In addition, I also encourage campus organizations to sponsor educational workshops, develop mentoring programs, design recreational activities, or implement arts and crafts activities. As college students it is our responsibility to give back to our neighborhoods and children in our communities. The transportation is free and the choice is yours. Find it in your heart to give back, what you have been given. “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”