Giving back to the community is a win-win situation, and many on-going opportunities to lend a helping hand are available for interested students.

“We should all feel blessed to live in a community where if you ask for help, there is help,” said Anna Rodriguez, Learning Resource specialist at Palo Alto College, who volunteers by teaching CCD classes at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church.

Taking an interest in giving back to the community is what community service is all about. Initially, Rodriguez’s interest in community service began with her own children as she taught them the importance of getting involved. She decided to give back to the community by teaching other kids to reach out to others.

Sister Mary, an Incarnate Word sister in ministry at St. Bonaventure Church, said, “I see a tremendous energy in young people for serving, but I believe we as adults have to be with them and create areas of service where they can reach out.”

Elsa Anaya, Chair of the Business Department at Palo Alto College, lets her students know about the Saddle Light Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship. Located at the Retama Park, volunteers are needed to help children or adults with disabilities ride horses. Call (210) 651-9574 for more information.

“It is a scary thing to get out of your comfort zone, but once you do it and do it in the real spirit of how it is supposed to be done, you want to continue doing good things,” said Anaya. Anaya makes it mandatory for her students to complete 10 hours of community service, because she believes in its purpose.

Besides the sense of giving back to your community, another benefit of service is being able to build your written and communication skills. Many students do not realize how listing your involvement with a well-know organization on your resume will give you a step up in the workforce.

To find an organization to serve, check out www.volunteersolutions.org. On the top of web page of the Volunteer Center at United Way of San Antonio is their purpose statement, “Helping volunteers meet the nonprofits that need their help.” Other links, such as The Make a Wish Foundation or Child Advocates both make difference in children’s lives.

To help adults and families in need, look into the Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM), located downtown at 110 McCullough. It provides immediate temporary assistance to low-income and homeless families in crisis situations. Volunteers are needed with front desk duties, warehouse help, phones, and assisting clients with food and clothing selections. More information is available at camministry@yahoo.com.

Lisa Guerrero, a Criminal Justice major, volunteers her time at Homestead Assistant Living Community, a center for Alzheimer’s patients, said, “You go to help others, but the real reward in helping the elderly is they can help you see the joy in life.”