Giving Back this December: Volunteering at Rutgers–Camden
Read Time:2 Minute, 45 Second
December can be one of the busiest and most demanding times of year for Camden nonprofits or organizations. With rising food insecurity, filling shelters, and community centers preparing for the holidays, Rutgers–Camden students are encouraged to consider lending a helping hand.
For many in the RU community, volunteering is more than an act of service, it’s an essential part of being a good “neighbor” to those who live in the area and don’t attend the university. Doris Zheku, an MFA grad student who also completed her undergraduate degree at Rutgers–Camden, emphasized the importance of student involvement.
“Rutgers Camden isn’t just a Rutgers campus set in Camden—it’s a part of the community.” Zheku comments. “And as students, it’s important to be civically engaged members of the community and good neighbors.”
Several Camden organizations are in need of both short-term or one-time volunteers throughout the month of December. Food Pantries such as the Cathedral Kitchen or the Neighborhood Center invite students to help serve warm meals, pack groceries or organize donations. Coat drives need volunteers to sort items and distribute winter necessities for both children and adults as temperatures continue to drop. With the holidays approaching, many organizations could use hand sorting toys, wrapping gifts or assistance with any event set-up.
One of the most accessible volunteer sites for students is the Rutgers–Camden Raptor Pantry, which serves to “address nutritional needs and combat food insecurity on campus.” Right on their website, students can find ways to help out, not just this holiday season, but at any point in the semester. Students are invited to donate food, host a food drive, or even make a simple donation to help the pantry service as many people as possible.
December is a unique point in the semester, as many students leave campus and are no longer able to volunteer while the demand and need for community support only spikes. This decline in student participation can create challenges for local nonprofits that may rely on steady support. There is something of a consistent pattern during this time of year, a predictable gap in decreased student volunteering and growing number of those in need. Ultimately, many local organizations can find themselves stretched pretty thin during the holidays.
Wanting to start volunteering but don’t know where to start? Whether it’s for the first time or the fiftieth, there are several straightforward ways to get started.
- Check the Rutgers–Camden Events Calendar. Many volunteer opportunities are posted weekly, especially in the month of December.
- See if you can bring a friend to any event you’d like to participate in. Inviting a friend and group volunteering can reduce any nerves or stress and make the experience less intimidating.
- Visit the RU Civic Engagement Center. Staff can help match students with events or organizations that fit their interests or schedules.
While this time of year can be tough with finals and the stress of the holidays, this month can be a chance to connect with the community before heading into break. Even a single volunteer shift can go a long way in supporting the Camden residents during one of the most demanding and difficult times of year.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0
