Oxford, Mississippi – Volunteer Oxford, the community’s volunteer center, in conjunction with the University of Mississippi Volunteer Services Office encourages the Lafayette Oxford University community to make a difference in the community during a nationwide day of service: Make a Difference Day.
Make a Difference Day is usually observed the fourth Saturday of October, which is October 22 this year.
“Since there is a home football game on that day, we decided to encourage the community to pick their favorite organization or nonprofit and serve as a volunteer there throughout the week of October 17 – 22,” says Kelly Shannon, Director of Volunteer Oxford. “Plenty of volunteer opportunities exist, so the volunteer opportunity can be as dynamic as the volunteer. That’s the beauty of volunteering: both the volunteer and organization benefit in the end.”
Suggested ways to volunteer during October 17 – 22 include, but are not limited to:
Memory Makers
Help individuals living with Alzheimer’s Monday, October 17 and Thursday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with group activities like exercise, socialization, craft-making, and story-telling. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and even the ability to carry out the simplest of tasks. Memory Makers is located at 125B Heritage Drive, behind Applebee’s. To volunteer, call Emily King at 662-234-3332.
Yoknapatawpha Arts Council
Volunteers are needed for the event, Art for Everyone, which will be held Tuesday, October 18 at the Powerhouse. Volunteers are needed from 2 to 5 p.m. to help with set up and organize the art sale. Volunteers are also needed from 5 to 7 p.m. to help with the raffle, sell art and work in the food area. Proceeds will support the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Endowment and the newly founded J.E. Pitts Endowment to ensure continued funding of the arts in the community. To volunteer, email Melanie Addington at .
Oxford Lovepacks
On Tuesday, October 18 at 9 a.m., volunteer with Lovepacks and help assemble bags of food that can be easily opened by school-aged children (in the Lafayette Oxford community) for weekends and holiday weeks. Lovepacks works through school counselors to identify children in need. The organization operates through donations and food drives through the community. To volunteer, call Mary Leary at (901) 848-8193.
More Than a Meal
On Tuesday, October 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Stone Center, volunteers can join More Than a Meal in feeding families and tutoring children in need. Volunteers are always needed to serve food and to help with tutoring school-aged children. To volunteer, contact Molly Mogridge at 662-832-5808.
State of Mississippi Veterans Home
State of Mississippi Veterans Home, a 150 bed long-term nursing facility that serves veterans and their spouses, welcomes volunteers who would like to provide refreshments and to help residents with one-on-one visits arts & crafts and enrichment activities. Call 662-236-7641 for more information or to volunteer.
Graceland Care Center
Graceland Care Center of Oxford, a 180 bed facility serving long-term care needs, always welcome enthusiastic volunteers. On Saturday, October 22 at 10 a.m. volunteers can join in singing or at 2 p.m., volunteers can play bingo with the residents. For more information or to volunteer, call Vicki Skidmore, 662-234-7821.
For more information on Volunteer Oxford, visit them online at volunteeroxford.org. Also, “like” them on Facebook (Volunteer Oxford) or follow them on Twitter (#oxfordvolunteer). To volunteer through Volunteer Oxford, contact Kelly Shannon at (662) 236-6662 or email .
