To some individuals, volunteer work may be seen as something to complete for a high school requirement or as something to do during the holidays. While these two reasons are not necessarily wrong, they do not encompass all that community service is.
Community service is all about devoting one’s time to helping others through numerous selfless acts. This could include donating money to those less fortunate, helping at a food bank or homeless shelter, or even fostering a furry friend in need. No matter how someone gives back to the community, there are many ways to do so, including in Baton Rouge.
Geaux Big LSU
For those who wish to stay close to LSU, the university holds numerous volunteer opportunities. One upcoming event is the university’s annual Geaux Big LSU. Held from March 22 through March 28, the event offers numerous activities for individuals to sign up for.
Some volunteer work includes working alongside Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for those who may not be able to afford one. Participants will use tools such as hammers, drills, and saws to build long-lasting homes for families in need.
Other volunteer experiences include visiting nearby parks, walking around the university’s campus, and collecting and disposing of trash. Unfortunately, littering is a major problem in Louisiana, and volunteers help eliminate it by properly disposing of waste.
Another opportunity for volunteers is to make dog toys for our furry friends in need. Volunteers will create these toys using recycled materials, cutting, braiding, and assembling each one. They will then compile the toys and deliver them to local animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
At the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, volunteers have many roles. The first is sorting and packing items in their repacking rooms. This entails separating food into various categories or containers. Ultimately, this helps maintain the food bank’s organization, enabling food to reach those in need more quickly.
The organization also offers dedicated programs for senior citizens, including the Senior Grocery Program. This program involves volunteers delivering groceries directly into clients’ vehicles. This helps the elderly avoid navigating a standard grocery store.
St. Vincent de Paul
Through many nonprofit organizations, people can learn more about volunteering in their own communities. Tied to the nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul, volunteers can work within its CLOTHE program.
This program involves volunteers going through bins and boxes of donated clothes and household items. Once they go through each bin or box, they must determine which items are suitable for donation, then sort and organize them.
This is a simple but fun way to get involved with your community!
Companion Animal Alliance
For people who love furry friends, try volunteering at Companion Animal Alliance. As the only full-intake shelter in Baton Rouge, the shelter offers volunteers the chance to interact with a variety of animals.
Outside of that interaction, volunteers can take eligible dogs for walks, spend time with cats in the shelter’s catio (a cat patio), feed kittens, clean litter boxes and kennels, bathe dogs, do laundry, and wash dishes.
As someone who used to volunteer at this animal shelter, the work you do here is impactful for all the furry friends you encounter. So, enjoy it while it lasts.
Ultimately, these are just some of the many acts of community service that can be done in the city. No matter what you choose to dedicate yourself to, be sure to wear closed-toed shoes and act out of the goodness of your heart.
