Hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and terrorist attacks devastate entire countries and leave the residents of the affected areas in dire need of assistance. Most recently, an earthquake struck the country of Haiti. Almost immediately, organizations stepped up to help the citizens of that country. Volunteering for these organizations after a crisis is a commendable action. It is important, however, to never forget that these times are not the only opportunities to volunteer.

                Volunteering is not only a way to earn credit hours to become exempt from exams or to place on college applications, but it is also a way to learn that one should not always be rewarded for their actions. There are plenty of people who need help all the time, and it is important to remember that post disaster is not the only chance to help.

                It seems that the main reason these instances receive more volunteers and donations is because they receive much more publicity than the local soup kitchen or senior citizen home receive. Instructional Assistant and head of the volunteer office Cecile Bard explains this concept.

                “Whenever one sees someone in distress, it is a natural response to want to help. This may be on a large scale of devastation as was with Haiti and Katrina. . . .It appears that people respond more greatly when there has been a disaster, but the sense of volunteerism is alive and well all the same,” Bard said.

                Volunteering is volunteering, no matter when it takes place, because it is people helping people. But why not devote time to the local community by doing something that is of personal interest? Students should try to find a cause they really want to help with, something in which they believe. Bard comments on what students can do to find volunteer opportunities.

                “There is a wide spectrum of volunteer opportunities for students. If someone is new to volunteering, I suggest they look within themselves and what is important. Some examples are: interests in the environment, working with the elderly or children, supporting the arts. Other considerations should be: do you like to work with people of you prefer working in other ways? If the volunteer experience is a good match, it will be very positive,” Bard said.

                It is important to help others in any way one can, at any time. While there is a more prominent and possibly dire need after a crisis, students must remember they can volunteer at local establishments at all times.