The closer spring break gets the more anxious thousands of college students become to begin their annual migration to the nearest beach for some much needed rest and relaxation.
But what about those students who've already done that and want to try something new? And what about students who prefer being productive over spending the week partying? Are there any spring break alternatives out there that might appeal to them?
Yes! There is a way students can take both a traditional spring break and doing something that’s fun and fulfilling. They can spend their time volunteering.
The following list represents the rewards of choosing to do voluntary work:
- Learn new skills
- Perfect old skills
- Helps build character
- Open new career doors
- Meet new people
- Boosts self-confidence
- Chance to improve the lives of others
- Improves team work skills
- Sharpens interpersonal skills
- Creates community awareness
- Develop a sense of empathy
- Encourages a sense of purpose
However, before you begin looking for places to do volunteer work, you must be prepared to meet the following expectations:
- You’ll need to go through an orientation period
- You’ll be expected to follow certain rules and regulations
- Be prepared to keep a much more regimented schedule
- Don’t overstep your professional boundaries
- Keep your personal life separate from your volunteer-related responsibilities
In conjunction, students at Hocking College are fortunate to live in a community that offers them a multitude of opportunities to volunteer their time and effort. The list below details many places in the area that accept volunteers.
Opportunities in Albany, Ohio
- Albany Community Senior Center
- Basic Needs Ministry Food Pantry
- The Wells Public Library
Opportunities in Athens, Ohio
- Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities
- Athens County Dog Shelter
- Athens County Food Bank
- Athens County Humane Society
- Athens County Jobs & Family Services
- Athens County Public Library
- American Red Cross
- Habitat for Humanity of SE Ohio
- My Sister’s Place Domestic Violence Shelter
- New Beginnings Animal Shelter
- Ohio Health Hospice
- Rural Women’s Recovery House
- Serenity Grove Women’s Recovery House
- The Gathering Place
- The Laurels of Athens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
- The Timothy House Shelter
Opportunities in Logan, Ohio
- Appalachia Ohio Alliance
- Carlin House Assisted Living Community
- Hocking Hills Tourism Association
- Logan Health Care Center
- Logan Senior Citizen Center
- The Pet Orphanage
Opportunities in Nelsonville, Ohio
- Appalachian Progressive Education Center
- Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad
- Nelsonville Public Library
- Stuart’s Opera House, Inc.
Opportunities in The Plains, Ohio
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
- Rural Action/Kuhre Center for Rural Renewal
- Salvation Army Food Pantry
- The Plains Public Library Branch
Opportunities in Pomeroy, Ohio
- Arbors at Pomeroy Nursing Home
- Dart Adult Group Home
- Meigs County Canine Rescue & Adoption Center
- Meigs County Public Library
