CURRENT ISSUE
Volume 6 No. 5

November 14 , 2008

Have some free time and want to help the Kansas City community? Looking for something to do with a group of friends? Need to find a project for class or to meet a service-hours requirement?

The Center for Service Learning is a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities.  Whether you want to get involved with a specific organizations or event listed or find an opportunity that fits your interests, just contact Davis Parker (816-501-4642 – davis.parker@rockhurst.edu – Van Ackeren #208).

ON CAMPUS PROJECT

“Just a Box of Muffin Mix”-- Rockhurst University has again been asked to participate in the Seton Center’s Pre-Holiday Food Drive.  The Seton Center drive is truly a community effort with several organizations contributing one item to the larger basket; this year Rockhurst was asked to donate 8.5 oz box of Corn Muffin Mix.  Please bring your donations to the Greenlease Library or to the Center for Service Learning (VA 208/210) starting Nov. 17-Dec. 5.  Your donations are greatly appreciated!  

OFF-CAMPUS, ONE-TIME PROJECTS

Mattie Rhoades Center’s Thanksgiving Food Drive takes place on Thursday, November 20.  Volunteers are needed to fill bags at the Northeast Center from 4 to 8pm.

Guadalupe Center, Inc. Thanksgiving Luncheon:  On Tuesday, November 25, volunteers are needed to pass out food plates 10:30 - 2:30 and to do some clean up after the event is over with.

Associated Youth Services is sponsoring a Hip & Fit Program that is designed to teach healthy habits to middle school youth.  Volunteers are needed to assit staff nurses in running health screening stations that measures flexibility, strength, endurance, blood pressure, and body mass index.  Training will be provided.  The event takes place on December 3, from 1 to 3pm, at the Northwest Middle School Gym in Kansas City, KS. 

Eighth Annual Red Cedar Christmas Tree Event:  Saturday, December 6:  Kansas City WildLands and Johnson County Park and Recreation District are offering the public an opportunity to remove invasive red cedars and take them home to decorate for the holidays.  Volunteers are needed for help with this event. 

OFF CAMPUS, ON-GOING PROJECTS

Community LINC ‘s infant and toddler programs are in need of dedicated volunteers on Tuesday and especially Thursday nights from 5:30 pm to 8 pm.  The volunteers will be feeding the infants, changing their diapers and nurturing them.  The programs also need people to provide feeding, structured activities and supervision for the toddler program.  Specialty volunteers that could provide activities for the toddlers such as puppets, music, dancing, etc would also be beneficial.  In addition, LINC is always in need of people to answer their phones during the day, at any hour.

Community Recycling Centers:   The centers are almost completely staffed by volunteers, and need help.  They operate every week and scheduling is very flexible.   There is a critical need for extra volunteer support on the Saturdays right after the holidays.  Kansas City locations include:  91st and Hillcrest, Metro North Shopping Center, and midtown KC.  Overland Park locations include:  119th and Hardy.

If you are interested in any of these projects, please contact Davis Parker at (816) 501-4642.

Center for Service Learning  -- your resource for community service

Julia Vargas, director                                               Location: 208-210 Van Ackeren Hall

Davis Parker, VISTA member                                   Telephone: 816.501.4545 or 816.501.4642

Beth Craig, student assistant                       

Jessica Lloyd, student assistant                                  

Meaghan Whalen, student assistant                         

http://www.rockhurst.edu/services/service                    

ABOUT OF SERVICE AND BACK ISSUES                                      

Of Service is the bi-weekly service opportunity newsletter produced by the Center for Service Learning. It lists current and upcoming service opportunities for the Rockhurst Community. Missed the previous Of Service newsletters?  Click here to review previous issues online.

Portraits Of Service is a semester-end newsletter highlighting service-learning classes and community service projects performed by our students. Feel free to view our Portraits of Service back issues.

For information about community service projects, please contact Julia Vargas at 816.501.4545 or julia.vargas@rockhurst.edu .