Volunteering is a great way to help people in the community. Volunteer hours may also be a requirement for your major, as they can enhance your transcript, especially if you are considering going to graduate school. Thankfully, there are many opportunities for Meredith students to volunteer, both on campus and in the Raleigh Area.
Some volunteering opportunities at Meredith are offered through the “SPLASH! Into Service” program, which hosts different events early in the school year. These events, which are held both on and off campus, include helping with the community garden and other community initiatives.
In 2024, Angels United is hosting a volunteer trip to Kenya from May 12-25 for students to volunteer by teaching kids a wide range of subjects. The trip costs $1,300, including all fees and a $200 deposit. Those who are interested must do an interview and submit three references.
The LGBT Center of Raleigh offers a variety of different volunteering opportunities for students in the community. There is a library where you can volunteer your time to help organize books and assist with their relocation. The LGBT Center also has a HIV/STI testing center at which they need help with front desk duties. They also host many pop-up events in Raleigh, like clothing drives and LGBTQ+ community information sharing.
If you have access to a car, Meals on Wheels is an organization that packages food and allows volunteers to drive them to people in need. You can also volunteer to package the food to be sent off.
For animal lovers, Second Chance Pet Adoptions in Wake County provides many opportunities to help cats and dogs in need. You can foster an animal, be a dog walker, work at the front desk, take care of the cats or help with fundraising, which keeps the center thriving and open.
If you enjoy working with children, there are many schools in Raleigh that welcome volunteers. Martin Middle School and Olds Elementary School are always happy to take volunteers for extra help with teaching and after-school programs.
Other opportunities to work with kids can be found at the YMCA at Community Hope and the Mentor for At-Risk Youth Program. This opportunity allows you to mentor and tutor kids to build literacy skills throughout the school year and potentially beyond that if you establish a connection with the student.
If you don’t have transportation, there are many virtual opportunities available. The Cardinal Hospice Care offers virtual and in-person opportunities. If you volunteer online, you can become pen pals with elderly patients and send them handwritten letters and cards. To participate, you must complete a background check and an online training course.
Another virtual opportunity is Tuck-In Call by the Gentiva Hospice of Rocky Mount. They are looking for volunteers who can do weekly “Tuck-In” calls. Tuck-In calls are phone calls where you talk about your day and anything going on in your life to provide those who may not get visitors with social interaction every week.
There are many different opportunities, both in person and online, for volunteering in Raleigh. Volunteering can look good on your resume, but it can also provide the fulfillment of knowing you are helping those in need.
By Kayla Dunn, Reporter
Photo by Grayson Morris