As the school year resumes on its natural course here at Catawba College, many students may be seeking a way to get out and do something not on campus or build up service hours or to help make a difference in the community. Whatever the case may be, Volunteering in the local community is a great way to help make our surrounding area a better place. Rowan County, Catawba’s home, couldn’t be a better environment to volunteer in. This is due to the numerous museums, shelters, parks, charities, and other entities that dot the Rowan County landscape year round. We will only analyze a few in this article, but there are so many places to volunteer in the area.
1. North Carolina Transportation Museum (NCTM)- Spencer:
There are limitless possibilities to volunteer here at the 57 acre former Southern Railway Locomotive Repair Facility. In fact, the majority of the operations completed at the NCTM is done solely by volunteers. You don’t need to know too much about trains, cars, planes, or transportation in general to volunteer, and there are so many ways to volunteer. If you prefer hard work and building things with wood, metal, or steel, Rail Operations makes sure that the trains keep moving at the museum. If you are the kind of person who likes to give tours, or help out at an information desk, Interpretive Volunteers are critical to relaying good public relations to visitors. And even if you prefer working only for a few select weekends, the NCTM always embraces special event volunteers to assist with busy events such as Day Out with Thomas, The Polar Express, and Membership Day. If you are interested in volunteering at the museum, check out the NCTM website at www.nctrans.org, or give a call to 704-636-2889.
2. Rowan Helping Ministries (RHM)- Salisbury:
Thank goodness there is an organization in Salisbury dedicated to helping those less fortunate. Rowan Helping Ministries, located on Long Street in Downtown Salisbury, does just that. Thus there are numerous possibilities to volunteer at the recently built facility. Organizations are invited to serve Sunday lunch and then provide a thirty minute spiritual service following that. Volunteers are also encouraged to serve meals during other times in the week. There is also help needed in the Crisis Assistance Network, working in various roles to help the facility operate. Individuals are also encouraged to bring in canned goods to help feed those in need. To inquire about helping out at RHM, contact Emily Huffman, RHM Volunteer Coordinator, at 704-637-6838 ext. 112.
3. Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary-Salisbury:
Created to provide a safe place for beaten, abused, and neglected animals, Faithful Friends is an organization that also embraces volunteers. This would be the ideal volunteer role for someone who loves pets and animals, but anyone can help out. Just contact [email protected] to help make a difference in an animals’ life.
Other places that openly embrace volunteers in Rowan County:
Habitat for Humanity
Rowan County United Way
YMCA
Rowan Museum
NCDOT Adopt a Highway Program
No matter what you plan to do with your college life, there is always a chance to make a difference. Why not give volunteering a shot? It could be the best and most rewarding experience of your entire life!
