Volunteer/Learning Services needs students for community projects
By Randie Mayo
[email protected]
Staff Writer
 The Georgia Highlands College Volunteer Service/Service Learning Center is currently at a stand-still.
According to Phillip Breaux, coordinator of the Service Learning Center who is currently employed as a work-study student, there are no current or ongoing projects in the works at the Center.
The Service Learning Center promotes volunteer opportunities for students and faculty. It gives them an easy access to volunteer agencies for areas such as mentoring, recycling programs and shelters.
"Student turnover has a lot to do with getting a good continuity going," John Spranza, director of student life, explained.
"The biggest problem is that it is hard to keep consistent energy in the office," Spranza said.
"We have fewer interns this year. Compared to last year, the interns we had were more experienced. Sometimes it just depends on the student body."
In the future, there is a hope that Georgia Highlands College may partake in a Coosa River Basin Initiative project, which involves a river clean-up that the volunteer service has traditionally participated in.
All students are encouraged to sign up for volunteer services. All one must do is stop by the Office of Student Life and fill out the basic paperwork. "We try to find areas that they may be interested in," Spranza said.
Students may also suggest projects by contacting either Spranza or Susan Claxton, associate professor and coordinator of the human services department.
Volunteer service is generally meant for anyone interested in helping out the community through many diverse programs.
Service Learning, on the other hand, provides volunteer projects for a students' curriculum in many of the Humanities courses.
"We provide the contact information students may need," Spranza said.
The Humanities Department and the Center work in a "collaborative effort," according to Spranza.
Claxton often works with Spranza in getting students involved in the volunteer/learning services.
Claxton stated, "It's a great resume builder and a great way to give back to your community."
LIST OF OPPORTUNITIES
Mentoring
Shelter homes
Recycling programs
Can drives
Soup kitchens
Humane Society
Floyd Medical Center
Salvation Army
Red Cross
Toys for Tots
Boys and Girls Club
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