By Caitlyn Ashworth
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone that could never repay you.” – John Bunyan.
Why is it that there is always a blank to fill in what community service you have contributed in on college and job applications alike?
Instead of exaggerating this part of the application to make yourself look better, perhaps take a moment to reflect on the importance of community service. If the community does not come together for the greater good then no positive change can be made.
Yes, you are a part of the community, and yes you can make a difference!
The United States, one of the most advanced countries in the world still has people shivering in the cold on the streets at night. The United States still has people getting kicked down, made fun of, and using the word retard to refer to people with special needs.
Many of United States citizens are abusing drugs on a day to day bases because it is their last resort. All of this is done instead of offering a helping hand. Those are just a few of the thousands of examples as to what the hand of community service could touch and have a major impact on.
For the three examples given above replace “The United States” with “Raleigh.”
Raleigh is our own backyard, and we cannot continue to let this hurt and destruction take place. So get involved in something that you are passionate about and make a difference. Below is a short list of volunteering ideas and outlets for community service in Raleigh:
Raleigh Rescue Mission
314 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 828- 9014
Stop Hunger Now
615 Hillsborough St. #200 Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 839- 0689
SPCA of Wake County
200 Petfinder Lane Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 772-2326
The Miracle League of the Triangle
(919) 238-0333
Also, http://www.voluntermatch.org is a wonderful website for finding any type of volunteering that you are into right in your area!