Grant Weingarten, a freshman in biomedical sciences: plays with a puppy as he volunteers with IMPACT at the Lee County Humane Society. Morgan Thacker/ ASSISTANT PHOTO
Thirteen thousand Auburn students were involved last year. Some did it for the spirit points. Some were required for their classes. Others, like Kristin Vega, did it for that cliché, but charming, warm fuzzy feeling.
Vega and her 12,999 fellow students were volunteers for IMPACT.
IMPACT is an organization that helps students give back to the Auburn-Opelika area through community service.
Vega, this year’s IMPACT director, said the most popular projects are Storybook Farm and the Humane Society.
Vega said in order to volunteer, all students have to do is fill out the waiver form that can be found online.
Students under 19 must also get it signed by their parents.
Vega said this year, IMPACT will start a calendar on its Web site that lists all volunteer opportunities offered through Auburn.
This calendar will include SGA events, REACH, fraternities and sororities, Circle K and any other organizations asking for student volunteers.
Vega has been a volunteer since her freshman year.
“I’ve really loved taking the time to get out of this self-centered college atmosphere and think about other people for once,” Vega said.
Charlie Smith, a freshman in engineering, said he is encouraged to volunteer for his fraternity, but also likes to volunteer for IMPACT to help people.
Vega said small gestures, such as opening a door or smiling at someone, can make a difference.
“But when you actually take two hours to talk to someone at a retirement home or spend time with a child from a broken family, it is appreciated more than you can imagine,” Vega said.
Whatever the reason for getting involved, IMPACT can be a rewarding way to spend a couple of hours.
James Salter, a sophomore in accounting, volunteers for IMPACT to help the fraternity he is pledging, Kappa Alpha.
Every time a pledge or a brother attends an IMPACT event, the fraternity gets five spirit points.
Organizations with the most spirit points receive block seating at football games.
In spite of the ulterior motive, Salter said he doesn’t mind getting involved with IMPACT.
“It gives me a chance to get out of the house, do something good and get that feel-good feeling,” Salter said.
