We Serve U Day 2019 | Photo from We Serve U website
We Serve U is a volunteer organization at Wright State University (WSU) dedicated to providing students, staff and faculty with meaningful service opportunities within the community.
“We make a lot happen,” said Co-Chair of We Serve U Joanie Hendricks.
From a couple people to a whole community
We Serve U began with a handful of WSU staff members with a passion for volunteering. Gaining traction at WSU with students, faculty and other staff members, We-Serve-U became an official group in January of 2011.
When the program first started out, they had to explain to volunteer organizations who they were and what their mission was. But now the community is beginning to seek out the assistance of We Serve U.
“When we first began, we had to educate everyone on what we wanted to accomplish and how the WSU family could assist in the mission of community partners—now they look forward to our volunteer fair, donation drives [and other events].” said Committee Member Fran Keeley.
We Serve U also gives students, staff and faculty the option to volunteer without ever leaving campus.
“As much as possible, we try to bring service opportunities to campus so people who want to help can do so on a lunch break or a break between classes. I think that helps so much in getting more people involved in community service,” said Co-Chair Becky Traxler
Volunteer Fair
The annual Volunteer Fair will be held virtually this year. Beginning Sept. 9, a new page on We Serve U’s website will launch with volunteer organizations in the area showcasing their service opportunities.
Local volunteer organizations will make a video explaining their organization and what volunteering for them will entail. Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to look through the videos and find a volunteer opportunity that matches with their interests and availability.
According to Hendricks, the volunteer fair is a great way for students to find ways to fulfill service hours for courses that require them.
The volunteer fair page will be on the website for a month.
Volunteering during coronavirus
“The needs of our community have changed. So many people are out of work and in need of assistance,” said Hendricks.
Students and members of WSU wishing to help out others during the ongoing pandemic can contact We Serve U or look on their website for volunteer opportunities in the area.
Hendricks recognizes that not everybody is comfortable going out and surrounding themselves with people right now. We Serve U is currently looking for remote volunteer opportunities.
We Serve U and the community
We Serve U hosts several annual events including Cards for Kids, Holiday Toy Drive and Adopt a Family.
Much like the Holiday Toy Drive, Adopt a Family “provides an opportunity for individuals, groups, and/or organizations to “adopt” a family for the holiday by providing gifts based on their wish lists” according to the We Serve U website.
“As part of the group who organizes the Holiday Gift program I know that students, faculty and staff help 25 or more families a year in the Greene County area that are in need,” said Committee Member Kim Sierschula. “As we load up hundreds of gifts into vans to be delivered to the families I know we are putting smiles on children’s faces within our communities when they wake up to see their gifts”
Anyone who wishes to volunteer and help others can visit the We Serve U website for more information.
