Opinion

Volunteering part of UH experience

UH has always had a mandate to reach out and give back to the Houston community. Our students understand and mirror that volunteerism.

Some Cougars have found an immediate way to address their volunteer spirit and focus on immediate local needs.

‘We need more manpower so we can accomplish more,’ said Taylor Doty, chair of the Cougars for Kids Student Auxiliary Committee.

This program is all about meeting the needs of children of low-income families from local schools and hospitals.

Students who volunteer in the community can sometimes feel removed from the human part of the activity.

At Cougars for Kids, however, this is not the case.

‘(Cougars for Kids) is unique because it’s not random,’ Doty said.

‘You will visit the same hospital or the same school each week. This allows you to develop a personal relationship with the children. You can touch their lives and really make a difference.’

Inspired by Jerry Evans, an instructional assistant professor in the College of Technology, the organization was established in 2007 and is the largest volunteer organization on campus.’

‘Evans was volunteering at a local hospital one day and thought it would be a good idea to get college students involved, and now the program has spread throughout the entire University,’ Doty said.

Those with a busy schedule can still participate. The minimum volunteer requirement is 30 minutes. The program will also work with you to find a location close to your home.

Once approved, the volunteer can select the location of their choice and arrange an interview and scheduling. To assist with this process, student volunteers will also be assigned a faculty sponsor.’

Students who are interested in volunteering can submit a UH Release Form to Evans.

If students can’t give time, but would like to make a contribution, they can always donate.

‘Some of the funds are used to have social events for the children or even help the families of children who have experience tragedy,’ Taylor said.

Both children and volunteers have a lot to gain from this program.

‘The volunteers will gain a sense of pride and fulfillment because they were able to help someone. The children will gain the safety and comfort of knowing that someone really cares about them and learn that they can do anything,’ Doty said.

Kimberly Jones is a communication senior and may be reached at [email protected].

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