Pirates helping the Pirate Nation

Several months ago, on Saturday mornings you could find me at a local animal shelter filling bowls and cleaning cages. It wasn't the most pleasant of duties, especially scooping unmentionables at 8 a.m., but every day I left filthy and oddly fulfilled.

Sure, I wasn't helping people but I felt like I had made a difference.

There are many reasons to help your community. Several high schools in the state are even requiring aspiring graduates to do several hours worth of community service in order to graduate. The idea behind it is simple: help others and help yourself.

Once I got to ECU, it became more difficult to find places to volunteer. I was in an unfamiliar city trying to juggle classes and maintain a social life. It seemed impossible to volunteer as much as I would like.

But Greenville is not short of opportunities to jump on.

Not knowing where to start can be a huge issue, but it's not as difficult as you may think.

Hospices, hospitals and animal shelters are good places to start.

The local Ronald McDonald House on Moye Boulevard is always looking for volunteers.

Most charitable organizations are run by their army of dedicated volunteers, especially ones such as the Ronald McDonald House. The idea behind this organization is that it is a "caring and clean home-away-from-home for families who must stay in Greenville during their child's medical treatment or hospitalization."

If you can tell jokes to brighten a day, help clean up or prepare a simple meal, it's a great contribution. It's simple, right?

Even if you don't have time to physically show up at the agencies, they are constantly in need of supplies.

Those organizations that deal with humans need non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies or just donations in the form of gift cards or money. Animal shelters will never turn down kitty litter, dog toys or animal food.

But let's face it: as college students, surrendering free time is easier that parting with money that is often scarce. Sacrificing one Saturday a month won't cut too much into any lifestyle.

And if one organization doesn't suit you, there are others that might.

I urge Pirates to start helping their community.

Volunteering is an excellent resume-filler, almost guaranteed to catch an eye, especially if you spend tons of hours in a particular place.

It's time to get up and do something.

How interesting is watching reruns compared to playing with animals or playing cards with older folks? Not only will your social skills benefit, but perhaps you'll also improve your poker game.

Most importantly, it will make someone else's day. A simple card game will leave them happy for days, break up their sometimes lonely routine and make you feel good about yourself.

You have probably even benefited from someone's donated time and effort.

The U.S. Department of Labor indicated that the average volunteer spent about 52 hours working for a cause they believed in.

That is a lot of time, and unless you have lived a mostly isolated lifestyle, you have probably been helped by a volunteer. It makes your day to have someone do something selfless for you, so why not return the favor?

Volunteering is an easy and even fun way to give back to your community. At the end of the day, it is satisfying and you can go to bed knowing you have made a difference in the Pirate Nation.

This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.