Vol. 18, No. 19	Feb. 11, 1999

Volunteer options abound at Service Learning Connection

More than 30 nonprofit organizations from New Castle County will staff tables in the Multipurpose Room of the Trabant University Center to share information and sign up student volunteers and interns during this year's Service Learning Connection.

Sponsored by Career Services, the Office for the Coordination of International Teacher Education, the Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies (DANA) and Clinical Studies, this semiannual program- scheduled from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17-will give students and agency representatives the opportunity to match their interests and needs.

Drew Hastings, executive director of DANA and an enthusiastic supporter said, "This is the fifth time DANA and UD have collaborated on a volunteer fair that puts students and nonprofit organizations in touch with one another. It's one of the best ways to get the word out to large numbers of students about who needs help and what kind of help is needed."

According to event organizers, UD students can find meaningful volunteer jobs that enhance their career development as well as benefit the community. This year's Service Learning Connection offers volunteer opportunities with agencies and organizations working with animals, the environment, creative arts, museums, human services and education. Students with just a few hours to spare each week will have the chance to make a difference while learning and honing skills.

The event is always well attended, according to Sylvia Brooks, education, who helps coordinate the event. "We also encourage representatives from student organizations to come and learn about possible service and community projects," Brooks said.

Peggy DiFulvio, clinical studies, and Marianne Green, career services, also coordinate the volunteer fair.

Some of the groups represented include Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Delaware, Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, Child, Inc., Cokesbury Village, Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, Delaware Greenways, Delaware United to Prevent Child Abuse, Gilpin Hall, Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center, Institute for the Development of Human Resources, Latin American Community Center, Newark Day Nursery and Children's Center, New Castle County Head Start Inc., Sodat-Delaware Inc., Peninsula United Methodist Homes and the Mary Campbell Center.

For information, call the Career Services Center at 831-1232 and ask for Green.