Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude and giving back. For those looking to make a difference in the Waco community this season, here are five meaningful opportunities. Whether it’s volunteering or donating, do your part in giving back to and supporting our Waco.
Browsing: Volunteering
“It’s really important to do stuff like this,” Hankins said. “This is a good platform for us to show Jesus to others, especially to the kids that might not have the opportunity to get toys on Christmas.”
“It is so easy to get trapped inside the ‘Baylor Bubble,’” Roehm said. “I have so many stories of site owners who are beyond grateful for Baylor students coming and doing the things that they are no longer able to do, such as the elderly who can no longer do yard work anymore.”
“Baylor is such a large part of the city of Waco,” Hoffman said. “I think it’s important as Baylor students, but also just as well-informed and decent people, to broaden your perspective a bit and stretch outside of the ‘Baylor bubble’ whenever possible.”
The heart of the Art Edu Exhibit highlights how educators of art are still talented artists themselves, and have been vital in passing down artistic and life skills to younger generations.
Whether it’s hosting several service days throughout the semester, partnering with nonprofits to spread awareness or creating more service projects for students to participate in, there are so many opportunities for Baylor to highlight the needs of the Waco community.
Even though I don’t necessarily want to follow Newton’s advice, building momentum is essential to boosting productivity and getting the hard stuff done. Working very hard in short episodes is one thing, but consistency will keep you afloat in college, yield higher self-esteem and make you feel like a winner.
Over weekends and holiday breaks, Pack of Hope provides food to 420 food-insecure Waco ISD students from kindergarten through eighth grade. For those looking to get involved, vice president Sue Hanson said the organization welcomes volunteers from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday and from 7 to 8:30 a.m. every Wednesday at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church.
Remember, you’re the author of your own happiness. It’s no one else’s job to make your day more fun — only your own. So, if you find yourself growing to despise the humdrum of the daily grind, don’t let the negativity and boredom take over. Create a little game, task or challenge to keep yourself entertained.
As college students, finding time to volunteer or pinpointing meaningful ways to give back to the community can sometimes be a challenge. However, if your heart feels called to serve, there are plenty of great organizations across Waco where you can be a positive influence. One such organization is STARS Book Clubs, where you can make an impact for many years to come.
In 1987, Baylor began the first college Habitat for Humanity chapter. During COVID-19, the chapter’s impact was stunted for two years, however this year the volunteers were able to engage with the community and assist in building houses around Waco.
Baylor’s Free Farmers Market will be taking place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday on Fountain Mall. This year, event organizers have added giveaways, a photo booth and more to encourage students to come out, get free food and aim to destigmatize food insecurity.
“I know that there are families with financial issues around the nation that haven’t been addressed,” Rabago said. “The kids make up the future generation, and I want to prolong and ensure accessible health care services to them.”
“I always like to say our fraternity is the ‘best of both worlds.’ You get everything you can ask for from a social organization with a small-family feel,” Carlsbad, Calif., and Alpha Kappa Psi president Jason Nacario said.
“If you can do anything in your power to just help someone in need or help your community, take full responsibility, go out, volunteer in your community,” Khushal said. “You never know how much your small hour of service can change someone else’s life.”
“It was already difficult for low-income families to find affordable housing, and in the last couple of years, housing costs have skyrocketed,” Alexander said. “The cost of building, property taxes, insurance — all of that has gone up, which affects the rental payments that people are paying, so the options for affordable housing are limited.”
When I sat down at my computer, I was going to write a column on why I think Baylor should require mandatory service from every Baylor student.
