By Jennifer Lillie
Volunteering not only benefits the people being helped, but it also further benefits the psychological well-being and social togetherness of a community.
Volunteering evokes a feeling of hope and security in those being assisted. This, in turn, creates a reciprocated feeling of happiness and competence for those who can provide time, skills, money, resources and/or opportunities to those in need. Psychological studies have shown that these feelings of hope and confidence in oneself are essential for good mental health. The mental health of those being assisted is also affected, as the individuals feel accepted, encouraged, and capable of changing their life circumstances. Sociological factors are also implemented, as acts of charitable giving promoting a culture of kindness, an understanding of differences, and positive mental health for everyone involved.
College students may not have much time to give or may not have the resources to travel to different charities. Thankfully, there are many local charities in the Oak Park/River Forest neighborhood, and most (if not all) of those charities are within walking distance from campus. Some charities don’t have a limit on the amount of time a person volunteers. Bi-hourly transportation to the green line is also provided by the campus shuttle. This provides better access to Oak Park and busses and trains that travel to other areas. Head Start is one charity that helps Chicago families by providing better access to education on nutrition, health and literature for children. Volunteer opportunities include packaging materials to be donated to over 70,000 Chicago families, recording important information, labeling materials and other small tasks that are important to the well-being and success of Chicago children.
Dominican University also provides service through the campus chapel. Volunteers meet to travel to Chicago on the green line to hand out care packages and/or feed the homeless. Volunteering is also encouraged on campus for students to assist disadvantaged children on campus with free tutoring for their schoolwork to help them achieve success in school.
Opportunity Knocks is another charity that occupies space in the River Forest Park District. This charity provides volunteer opportunities to interact with and help teach individuals of all ages with intellectual/developmental disabilities. “This work is rewarding for all who engages and interacts with more diverse populations, and volunteers are always appreciated,” said Sam Kehoe, a program leader at Opportunity Knocks. “As for volunteer opportunities, we are always glad to welcome students interested in volunteering. We believe that our college volunteers provide a very valuable social and peer interaction that benefits our organization and the students as well. Our participants (Warriors) enjoy getting to connect with students who are close to their age connect in conversation. We also have been lucky to go to the DU campus and experience a bit of the college experience.”
Sam Kehoe can be reached at Sam@OpportunityKnocksNow.org.
Oak Park also includes notable charities, including a food pantry where volunteers can help serve local families who can’t afford to purchase food. A local hospital in Oak Park also seeks out volunteers to assist in different capacities to provide a cohesive and collaborative hospital atmosphere where all are welcome.
If you are interested in volunteering at any of these organizations, feel free to contact me!
