Service Fair shows students how to give back

Although they are busy with the miscellaneous acts that make up college life, students often find themselves yearning for more. The Community Service Fair in Dods Hall was just the place to help students become more immersed in the community and give back to the surrounding area.

Each table at the event presented a sheet of paper ready for signatures that acted as a confirmation of interest in organizations looking for volunteers. The Community Service Fair offered numerous ways in which SUNY Fredonia students can help and support their local organizations.

Larger masses of students were found at local animal shelter tables while others hovered around scrapbooks of senior citizens carving pumpkins and crafting art projects. The Chautauqua County Humane Society displayed information for its "Walk 4 Paws" event in support of its no-kill animal shelter which is currently sustaining a 95 percent success rate for lengthening life in a shelter. This year the organization came to SUNY Fredonia in search of new volunteers for their annual walk.

 "We're challenging Fredonia to form the biggest group yet," said Roxanne Wendling, community relations director for the Chautauqua County Humane Society. People from every direction gather their dogs, cats, horses etc. and head out for a walk to save more animals' lives. For those students that do not have pets, Wendling encouraged them to wear a picture of a beloved pet or perhaps carry a fish.

"The Fredonia Fish," said Wendling as she let out a friendly laugh, thinking of names for future teams of students.

"Zach's Run" was another popular table where t-shirts on the table were displayed as an eye-catcher.  "We found out in 2005 that our son had Hunter Syndrome," said Chris Dearth. Hunter Syndrome is a serious genetic disorder that primarily affects males.  

The 5K run is a function driven by Making Precious Strides, a community-based nonprofit organization founded in 2006 by Chris and Cheryl Dearth. The main event will be the 5K run/walk but there will also be other local events organized to raise funds and educate the community about Hunter Syndrome.

Students can also put their skills to the test with organizations like Centaur Stride Inc. and the Upward Bound Program.

The Upward Bound Program, conveniently located on campus provides "help to students in overcoming class, social and cultural barriers to higher education," as stated in the Upward Bound Brochure. Students willing to volunteer can tutor young adults in the surrounding area in the subjects that suit them best. Classes in English, science, math and foreign languages are subjects that are in need of tutors. Time spent with these young adults will increase their comfort around exams such as Regents and ACTs, eventually encouraging them to pursue higher education.

Centaur Stride Inc. is a horse of a different color, literally. The facility exists to offer children and adults theraputic and recreational horseback rides. Whether it's gracing one's hand over the smooth coat of a gentle giant or getting in the saddle, each participant is treated to an unforgettable experience. The organization is dedicated to creating balance, coordination, strength and flexibility as well as promoting social interactions. Each step is reached through therapy, recreation and gentle-mannered horses supplied by Centaur Stride Inc.

Other organizations such as the WCA Home and Chautauqua Adult Day Care Centers Inc. seek the help of SUNY Fredonia students and rely on their creativity, attitudes and presence. Simple acts such as reading, painting and engaging in conversation offer comfort and support to patients dealing with chronic health issues, mental impairment, Alzheimer's Disease and dementia disorders.

Toward the end of the Community Service Fair, sign up sheets were littered with signatures and emails while organization hosts packed up their tables after a successful few hours on campus. Hearing one woman tell another, "what a great turn-out today," was enough to know that Fredonia students, though busy, always have time to give back.