Students at Texarkana College are becoming more and more interested in helping others in the community through Volunteer Services, according to John Benson, assistant professor of psychology and education.
“This interest has caused the students to see the link between the needs and people and has resulted in their volunteering, giving of themselves out of a concern and belief that we all share the responsibility for others,” said Mrs. A. J. Davis, Executive Director of Volunteer Services, who has been working with Benson.
According to Benson, these students are people of conviction. They have shown up in many places, giving countless hours to many agencies in the community thereby enabling staff members to direct their effort to other needs.
The students help in programs of education in Arkansas and Texas schools, and with mental illness programs through the Mental Health Center, the water safety program, and the American Red Cross, sports, arts and crafts for Juvenile Services.
They can be found instructing various phases of Community School Programs, leading recreation in the Parks and Recreation departments of Arkansas and Texas; as aids at Temple Memorial Home, Texarkana Special Education Kindergarten and Twin City Day Care Center, Edgewood Convalescent Center and Oak Manor Nursing Home; as office workers for the United Way and Shelter of Workshop; as auxiliary workers for Wadley and St. Michael’s Hospitals; and providing transportation for the Visiting Nurses Association.
Volunteer Services Bureau is an increasingly important link between Benson’s students in a network of local services and a significant part of community planning for social welfare. It has involved over 362 students who have given over 6000 hours of service.