new home. (Photo by Krystie Morrison)
Drew Myers
Staff Writer
For the third consecutive year, Lewis and Clark Community College participated in National Volunteer Week, April 11-15, though the Lewis and Clark Cares program.
Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to volunteer their time at several different locations in Godfrey, Alton, Edwardsville, Brighton, and Cottage Hills. Some of these organizations included the Riverbend Head Start, Alton Boys and Girls Club, 5A’s Animal Shelter, Jacoby Arts Center, Watershed Nature Center, Main Street Community Center, and Restore Decor.
The first year L&C Cares took part in volunteering 70 students took the time to give back to the community. Even more stepped up within the second year with 87 giving back to the local area.
This year Mass Communications Major, Krystie Morrison, donated her time at the Alton Area Animal Aid Association Humane Society, also called 5A’s Animal Shelter, in Godfrey.
“I went to the animal shelter to help take care of the pets up for adoption. I worked with the cats while my friend Cheynne helped clean out the dog pens in the back. I fed the cats, cleaned their litter boxes and even played with a few while doing so,” said Morrison.
Student Activities Coordinator Jared Hennings is hopeful that the experience brought on by the work L&C Cares does, will continue on past this one week.
“Hopefully students will learn how much they are appreciated by donating their time and that they really can make a difference. Also maybe they’ll be encouraged to further a civic desire to volunteer in the future,” said Hennings.
Morrison also expressed positive thoughts on students volunteering their time and shed a little light on how many of them came out this year.
“I think it’s a great idea to encourage students and even the public to get out and volunteer every once in awhile,” Morrison continued, “Even Hennings said the 5A’s slots filled up with so many students wanting to volunteer that he ran out of room!”
For more information about L&C Cares, contact Hennings at (618) 468-6400 or at jhennings@lc.edu.
