SUNY Oneonta expects big turnout for volunteer day

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August 18, 2012

SUNY Oneonta expects big turnout for volunteer day

By Mark Boshnack Staff Writer The Daily Star Sat Aug 18, 2012, 03:30 AM EDT

A record number of SUNY Oneonta freshmen are expected for the fifth annual Freshmen Service day hosted by the college's Center for Social Responsibility and Community on Monday.

Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., about 200 students will volunteer at more than 15 sites in roles that include helping Riverside Elementary School teachers organize classrooms to helping the Otsego County Conservation Association remove water chestnuts threatening the ecosystem of an Oneonta swamp.

Linda Drake, center director, said that usually about 60 students participate. She said she wasn't sure why so many were volunteering this year but said: "I'm excited about having an incoming class that is so service-minded."

Working cooperatively with local nonprofit groups, the Center for Social Responsibility connects students with volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Collectively SUNY Oneonta students volunteer an average of 50,000 hours annually in collaboration with 94 nonprofit agencies in Otsego County. New students move into the residence halls at the State University College at Oneonta on Sunday and they are free to do what they want before classes start Wednesday, Drake said.

"These students are choosing to make a difference" in one of their first experiences in the Oneonta community, she said.

"The event is a wonderful way for incoming students to develop a sense of belonging in our community," she said. "It also sets the stage for young people to continue to volunteer during their time here."

One of the agencies being helped is Opportunities for Otsego. About 10 students are volunteering at its Head Start program at 256 River St. OFO Executive Director Dan Maskin said "an extra pair of hands is always a gift" and it means a lot to the agency because there is always work to be done.

Volunteers will help with such activities as yard work and cleaning vehicles, which is a very important service. A similar-sized group is helping out at the agency's homeless shelter.

"We've always enjoyed a wonderful partnership with SUNY Oneonta," Maskin said. "We are always happy to work with them."

About the number of people volunteering, he said, "I think that is a really good sign for everybody."