As the semester ploughs on and schedules get busier and busier, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, even if you do not have time to participate in a long-term community service placement this semester, there are many volunteering options on campus and in the local community that require less of a time commitment. It’s easier than you think to find a one-time volunteering project to fit into your schedule. Here are some short-term community service projects to check out this month!
What: Volunteer with the Food Recovery Network, a Smith organization that combats food waste by collecting leftover food from dining halls around campus and delivering it to Manna Soup Kitchen.
How: E-mail foodrecovery@smith.edu to RSVP.
Where: Meet at Cutter-Ziskind and walk to other dining halls.
When: Sundays at 3:50 PM.
What: Volunteer at Manna Soup Kitchen, helping prepare meals or serving guests.
How: Email ctroiano0123@gmail.com for more information.
Where: Manna Soup Kitchen, located in the basement of St. John’s Episcopal Church (next to the Smith College Museum of Art). Meals are also sometimes served in Edwards Church across from the Academy of Music.
When: Slots are available for various times on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
What: Join the Community Service Office in a short-term volunteering project at Gardening the Community, a Springfield-based food justice organization. This project will include gardening activities such as weeding, planting and harvesting.
How: Email dwood@smith.edu for more information.
Where: Meet at Helen Hills Hills Chapel. Transportation to Springfield is provided.
When: Sunday, October 15th. Volunteers will depart from Smith at 8 AM and return around 12:30 PM.
What: Volunteer with a coalition of local organizations combatting hunger and homelessness on Shelter Sunday as they canvass Northampton for charitable contributions.
How: Sign up under the “Volunteer” section of their website.
Where: Various neighborhoods in Northampton.
When: Sunday, October 15. Various time slots are available.
What: Donate blood or volunteer at Smith’s fall blood drive.
How: Sign up at the Campus Center main level on October 11, 13 or 19 from 12-1 p.m. Online sign-ups will soon be available.
Where: The Campus Center Carroll Room.
When: Monday, October 23 from 11 AM-5 p.m. and Tuesday, October 24 from 1-7 p.m.
