When Junior Jessica Sparks ran for the position of Student Council Vice President, she realized she would have to organize all the volunteering projects. Like most, she was a little scared of some of the people she would encounter.

“I used to be scared of old people, the disabled and the less fortunate, because they seemed so different and angry, but after spending time with them, I realized [that] they’re people too,” said Jessica.

There are many people in high school who volunteer. A big group is Key Club. Some of the things they do are trick ‘o’ treating for UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). The money they raise goes towards children with Iodine Deficiencies. They also go to camps nearby and help them close up for the winter. Near Thanksgiving they run a Thanksgiving dinner. Sophomore Matt Hillyer, a member of Key Club thinks very highly of volunteering.

“I feel that volunteering will improve schools and will help students become better assets in the adult world,” Matt said.

While volunteering, you aren’t only helping the needy, you are also helping yourself. Now, in order to get the Merit Scholarship that goes along with the MEAP, you need to have 40 volunteer hours. The state is still working on the guidelines, but you shouldn’t wait until April to get started on your hours.

Many local organizations are looking for volunteers. Allegan County Crisis Response Services are looking to start up a Teens and Trauma (TnT) crisis response team. Free training will be provided, and you will be helping many teens get through traumatic situations.

Baker Elementary teacher Mrs. Barb Khodl is looking for teacher assistants to help students with class work, put up bulletin boards, or to just listen to kids read. You will have a fun time while getting your volunteer hours.

The Glowing Embers Girl Scout Council is looking for girls 14 and older to become leader assistants. You will sing, play games, and do crafts. The Girl Scout Troop can even be in your own community.

Project Hope of Northeast Allegan is looking for volunteers age 13 and older to help out with their fundraising dinner and silent auction which supports the Interchange Youth Help Service. The dinner is in April, and will be held in Dorr.

If you or a group of friends would like to volunteer, then you should contact Georgina Rozeboom-Doster, the contact at the Allegan County United Way and Volunteer Center. She can give you a lot of information, and send you some of the volunteering opportunities in your community.

Jessica Sparks is no longer afraid. She now finds volunteering fun, and says, “Volunteer, that’s all.”