While many students were packing up to go home for fall break, there were many who decided to take part in OU’s Alternative Break Oct. 7, 8 9.
This break gave students the opportunity to help the Ottawa community through Franklin County Daycare, Habitat For Humanity, Hope House and Communities in Schools. ?
“The break began with a kick-off meeting with breakfast, providing a time to orient volunteers to the projects and involving them in an exercise designed to help them understand how families find themselves in need,” Susan Webb, Director of Career Services said in an e-mail thanking students for their support.
“A reflection on their experience was held afterwards so students had the opportunity to share what they had learned from their experience and to fill out an evaluation.” ?
With multiple events for students to take part in, there was something for everyone. ?
“I went to the Day Care Center at First Baptist Church on Wednesday,” Jake McMillian, sophomore business major said. “I really wanted to stay productive over break.” ?
While at the daycare, students had the opportunity to read to children or play games with them. ? “I think the kids were happy to have us “big kids” around to play with,” McMillian said. “I bet the teachers were happy just to have a break.” ?
Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity helped build homes for families in need. Painting a shed for expecting families was also another opportunity for students.
“I think this was a perfect way to kick off the partnership between Ottawa University, Career Services and the Adawe Lifeplan Center,” Lisa Rivers, Volunteer Center Director of ECKAN said.?
At Communities in Schools, volunteers got the chance to help deliver backpacks with nonperishable foods through a program called “Weekend Warriors.”
The Hope House helpers also worked with a food pantry, clothing, and utility assistance to bring theses types of things to families in need. ?
The women’s basketball team also helped paint street signs around Ottawa to reflect support of the university. ?
“As we all sat for the reflection time, you could tell how much (the volunteers) loved the opportunity,” Rivers said. “They got a lot out of it for their careers, which is something we didn’t initially think about.”
These volunteering options gave students an opportunity to partake in the community; a chance that some of them might not have had time in their schedules for otherwise. ?
“There is an obvious gap in the relationship between OU and the greater Ottawa community,” McMillian said. “Service opportunities are a great way to bridge that gap. It shows that OU students are committed to service and creating a strong relationship with the community.” ?
A total of 105 community service hours were served with the help of these students; services that may have otherwise not have been able to be done.
“I think it touched the lives of the families,” Rivers said. “You saw students laughing and crying with them.”