Staff Writer
The entire student body at Loring Job Corps Center came together late last month to discuss the importance of volunteerism within the community. Two speakers, one from the Battered Women’s Shelter and the American Red Cross, offered ideas to more than 300 students on how to become involved in volunteer efforts.
“What would it be like to live in a world without volunteerism,” said Joyce Knorr, manager of the Aroostook branch of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Showing a list of volunteer possibilities, Knorr illustrated how the roster could continue endlessly.
“(Volunteers) do this to make things better for others,” said Knorr. “There’s nothing more rewarding.”
Julie French, representing the Battered Women’s Shelter, said that her agency depends on volunteers.
“We wouldn’t be able to provide our services without our volunteers,” said French.
Offering one’s services is a choice that individuals make to help others, French said.
“You can go through this life and never volunteer,” said French. “The choice is yours.”
The presentation was part of the LJCC’s Multiculturalism Club, which selects monthly themed programs. April’s theme was volunteerism, according to Julie Blackstone, an LJCC teacher and club advisor.
In her presentation, Knorr answered the issue of a world without volunteers. There would be no community sports, such as Little League, no festivals and no parades, she said. The Olympics may not be held.
“We may not even have a beautiful environment to live in,” she said.
Earlier this year, LJCC students helped the Aroostook branch of the Red Cross moved its office from Presque Isle to Caribou, which Knorr cited as an act of volunteering.
Providing your services for free also saves money, Knorr explained. Up to $17,500 were saved when volunteers helped the Red Cross provide disaster services in Aroostook County over the past months, she said.
Knorr also presented an American Red Cross video to the students to explain how and why people should volunteer.
“‘There are organizations all over that can use your services,” Knorr said.
