West Chester University held its annual Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 14 in the Sykes Student Union. As always, the fair had an excellent turnout.
“Today has already been a success,” staff member Joelle Tolifero said. “We’ve already had about two-hundred people walk through the door, and it’s only noon.”
The fair ran from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.. According to Maggie Tripp, Director of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs, there were over 50 different organizations represented at the fair, and her office works with over 100 nonprofit organizations—and counting.
“Our office seems to grow every year,” Tripp said.
Some of the organizations represented at the fair included the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC), which is an organization that provides aids to victims of domestic violence and their families, including housing, feeding, and clothing them.
Another organization that was represented at the fair was the Thorncroft Equestrian Center, a nonprofit organization which “helps build the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all people, particularly those with special needs,” through equestrian therapy.
“We are happy to receive any help we can get, from all levels of people: those who know nothing to those who know everything,” Thorncroft representative, Jamie Juliano said.
The Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs office is sponsoring two buses into Philadelphia for two worthy causes in October.
For the low cost of $5 each, students can volunteer with the Aids Walk Philly on Oct 16 and/or the Philly Cares Day on Oct 22. Bus sign-ups run from Sept 14 through Oct 5. Students may sign up at the Sykes Ticket Window.
“These are great causes,” Tripp said. “And they can use all the help they can get.”
If there are any students who had the misfortune of missing the volunteer fair, he or she may visit the Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs webpage for a full calendar of events.
The Volunteer Programs office is always looking for new volunteers. As Joelle Tolifero said, “People are interested in volunteering, and that’s what’s most important.”
Clare Hoggerty is a first year student majoring in English. She can be reached at Ch757342@wcupa.edu.