Volunteering locally provides experience for students
By Alyssa Torres
Correspondent
Students, faculty and staff are welcome to participate in the opportunity to give back to the community monthly, on a mission to end hunger.
Volunteer opportunities are available on Oct. 22 for Northern Essex Community College students, faculty and staff.
Maureen Saliba, Assistant Athletic Director, organizes a group monthly by email blast to volunteer their time and service at the Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence.
“It’s important to give people a taste of what’s out there, and see how fortunate they might be,” Saliba said.
Cor Unum Meals’ website says, “At Cor Unum, we every day eliminate hunger. We welcome and serve all who are in need with the utmost dignity, love, and respect – with open hands, listening ears and loving hearts.”
Breakfast is from 6 to 8 a.m., and dinner is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The address is 118 South Broadway, Lawrence.
The volunteers at the meal centers see change occuring in Lawrence. The website says, “Many people think that problems like urban hunger can never change. At Cor Unum, hunger in Lawrence has been transformed.”
Saliba has been working at NECC for 10 years, and organizing different opportunities on campus for the past nine years. Past groups in the community organized by Saliba include Servicing the MSPCA and Emmaus Inc.
A total of 10 volunteers are needed at each scheduled monthly date to fill open duties.
Christopher Cruz, a freshman, volunteered at his local middle school and local library in the past. Upon completing his volunteer experience, he felt as though he did something useful. “It helps connect you to what’s going on in the community,” Cruz said.
Catherine Ryan, a sophomore, has also volunteered before and believes she has gained experience and perspective. Ryan said that after volunteering she “felt humbled, more than anything, because you learn from the people as well.”
Email blasts are sent out monthly with volunteer opportunities. If interested in participating, respond promptly and you will be contacted with additional information.
Sarah Tiso contributed to this article.
