Bill Withers emphasized in his 1972 hit song that “We all need somebody to lean on.” These popular lyrics were reinforced during Monday’s volunteer fair held on the South Quad.

The Student Volunteer Center and Office of Orientation organized the fair, while local and university organizations were invited to participate to help inform Eastern students of volunteer opportunities both on and off campus.

“It’s to show students there are a number of different opportunities available,” said Sean Barth, coordinator of the Student Volunteer Center.

Freshman Bethany Hutchinson was just walking by when she noticed a table set up for the Special Olympics.

“I saw it on my way to class earlier, and so I was actually curious to what it was,” she said. “I saw a couple booths that sparked my interest, so I stopped.”

Hutchinson, a special education major, plans to get involved with the Friend for the Day program at the Special Olympics Family Festival in September.

Volunteers for Friend for the Day are paired up with a Special Olympian and accompany the athlete to games, lunch and various activities throughout the day. Participants are able to obtain college credit for volunteering, depending on their major, according to Vickie Wickham, chair of the Special Olympics Family Festival.

Wickham said there are about 1,000 Special Olympians involved in the program every year and anywhere from 700 to 800 students volunteer.

There are no special skills required to get involved, but participants must be 16 years of age or older to volunteer.

Paula Cler, a sophomore mathematics major and president of the Eastern chapter of Habitat for Humanity, believes every Eastern student should get involved with some type of volunteer organization. She says it helps build character and looks great on resumes.

“It’s also a fun way to get to know people,” Cler said.

Barth shares the same sentiments.

Volunteer experience helps those seeking a job stand out because it demonstrates character, Barth said. He also said giving back to the community is everyone’s civic duty.

“We all owe something to another person.”

Melanie Coleman, a junior prenursing major, paints a toy car at the Prowl: Happy Factory Paint a Car for a Child tent during the volunteer fair Monday on the South Quad. Prowl hopes to paint 300 cars to send to New Orleans and Haiti.

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