LINK Project -- Amanda Little

I had originally planned to spend a Saturday afternoon working on a blitz build for Habitat for Humanity to collect volunteer hours for this LINK Project. But because of the wet weather we’ve been having, the build has be cancelled and rescheduled twice. So instead, I have pieced together hours from a number of volunteer experiences. During a lock-in with my church group at the end of January, we spent two hours making some improvements to our building. The pictures below are of me and my peers doing some painting and general upkeep. I also spent two hours with my church group at the Brook Stone Estates assisted living community playing games with the residents. We played a game called Left Right Middle and Sequence. The remainder of my volunteer hours came from working the Special Olympics here on campus. I was assigned to work the end of the day, from about one to three, picking up trash in the bleachers and around the stadium.

Working with the Immanuel Lutheran Campus Ministry has opened a lot of doors for me. Through this organization I have been involved with a number of service and volunteer opportunities, met some people who have been helpful resources and gained a lot of perspective. The elderly make up a measurable percent of the disadvantaged population. Most of them expressed their appreciation to us for coming and spending an evening with them. Individuals with disabilities also make up a significant percent of the disadvantaged population. The Special Olympics is an opportunity for them to work toward something and find pride in their accomplishments.

When I was at Brook Stone Estates, the residents taught me two new games and told us stories about their families and youth. I really enjoy talking to my elders and learning about their lives. Even though I had very little interaction with the athletes at the Special Olympics, I know that being part of the event was important. I’ve worked with individuals with disabilities on many prior occasions and always walk away feeling incredibly humbled. They are such great people who have been dealt an unfortunate hand and just need a friendly face to turn to. I spent a good deal of my time during the school year at our church’s student center and I can now feel a sense of pride when I see some of the work I’ve done there. Volunteering is something that I am part of whenever I have the opportunity. Regardless of what kind of service it is, I always walk about with memories and a sense of accomplishment.   



Time Sheet from the Special Olympics.



Painting the floor trim behind the toilet at the ILCM Student Center.