Central Service Spotlight - August 25th-September 1st

Community Engagement has countless opportunities for you to develop and grow through service on our campus and with our Community Partners in the OKC/Edmond area. Check out the opportunities below to discover how you can make difference.

If you don’t see an opportunity you connect with, stop by the Community Engagement Office (NUC 141) where we will help to find what you’re looking for.

For any questions, please reach out to Community Engagement at volunteer@uco.edu.
Follow us on Instagram @uco_ce to keep up with our events and programming!

Community Engagement Events & Opportunities

Get Involved Open House
The Student Involvement Center will be hosting the annual "Get Involved Open House" on Wednesday, August 28th from 11am-1pm in Nigh University Center, Room 141. Stop by to learnall about the programs housed within the offices in the SIC!

Student Parent Programs
The UCO Office of Community Engagement is looking to increase communication and connect with UCO student-parents in an effort to be a better provider of community and campus resources, and provide events focused on supporting student parents through their college experience.

Those interested in receiving updates about community and campus resources, events and plans made for student-parents are encouraged to complete the Student-Parent Interest Form on UCORE.

Student Parent Programs Lunch and Learn
Join UCO's Community Engagement for a student parent programs lunch and learn from 12:30-1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 26th, focused on money management and budgeting.

Register via UCORE by Friday, September 20th, to reserve a spot and a lunch.

Central Pantry Client Registration Open
The Central Pantry is UCO's on-campus, free food pantry for all students, faculty, and staff.  Once you sign up as a client, you can come shopping at the Central Pantry once a week for your entire household.

The 2024-2025 Client Form is open. Register on UCORE.

Broncho Bites Notification Opt-In
Broncho Bites is an on campus initiative helping reduce food waste and providiving meals to the UCO campus community. Through this program, food left over in Ayers Kitchen is rerouted to the Broncho Bites refrigerator outside of the Central Pantry (NUC 151). This food is available to any student, faculty, or staff member that wants to grab a meal on-the-go.

All interested participants can opt-in to the Broncho Bites notification system to receive a text or email notification any time food is delivered to the Broncho Bites refrigerator.

Central Pantry Committee Applications
Central Pantry Executive Team is searching for committee members for the 2024-2025 school year. Committees will work alongside the Community Engagement office to develop the Central Pantry, work on new intiatives, connect to campus through collaborative programs, support students through donation drives, fundraising, and on-campus programs, and much more! The positions include:

• Education and Outreach Team
• Programming Team
• Development Team
• Campus Connections Team

Learn more and fill out your application HERE!

On-Campus Service Opportunities

Broncho Bites Volunteers
Broncho Bites is an initiative on campus to help reduce food waste and provide meals to the UCO campus community. Through this program, food left over at the end of the daily lunch hours in Ayers Kitchen will be rerouted to the Broncho Bites refrigerator outside of the Central Pantry (NUC 151). This food will be available to any student, faculty, or staff member that wants to grab a meal on the go.

Shifts will be available every weekday that campus is open for food recovery volunteers or composting volunteers. Each shift will last from 2:00pm-3:00pm.  All volunteers will meet with a Broncho Bites representative at Ayers Kitchen to start their shift.

Register for a shift (or multiple) HERE!

9/11 Day of Service Volunteer Registration
In remembrance of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, UCO observes the 9/11 National Day of Service as an Oklahoma Standard Day of Service.  Each year, on this day, we go to all the local fire stations to cook the firefighters and staff a spaghetti dinner.

Registration is now open through September 6th.

Little Event Volunteer and Team Leader Registration
The 13th Annual Little Event, one of UCO's largest days of student-led service to the Edmond/OKC Community, is on Saturday, November 2nd from 9am-2pm.

Registration is now open to be a Team Leader or Volunteer.

Team Leader Registration is due on October 4th
Volunteer Registration is due on October 11th

Questions?  Email bigevent@uco.edu.

If your office or organization has upcoming student volunteer opportunities, please send the information to volunteer@uco.edu to have it included in our weekly emails.

Off-Campus Service Opportunities

OVAC 12x12 Art Fundraiser Volunteers

The annual 12×12 Art Fundraiser is an eclectic fusion of works by 175 Oklahoma artists and live entertainment for a memorable one-night-only art event held on September 20th form 6-10pm at the OKC Farmers Public Market.

Artists create a unique work within the dimensions of 12"x12” and attendees can bid for pieces they want to purchase in an online auction. Proceeds from tickets and artwork sales go towards sustaining OVAC’s mission to grow and develop Oklahoma's visual arts community through education, promotion, connection, and funding.

Shift Types Available:

• Event Set-Up/Art Install
• Photograper/Videogarpher
• Hospitality
• Door Attendant
• Will Call/Ticket Sales
• Art Ambassador
• Silent Auction & Wish Wall Attendant
• Artwork Pick-Up
• Event Clean Up/Tear Down

Perks: 
All volunteers will receive a FREE ticket to the event (a $50 value) and our appreciation! 

Haunt the Zoo Volunteers
The OKC Zoo is looking for volunteers to help out at our 41st annual Haunt the Zoo, Oklahoma’s largest trick-or-treating event! As our volunteers distribute candy at themed stations in a family-friendly environment, it is sure to be a safe, fun, and memorable experience for all.

Register HERE or contact Tasha Dyson with questions.

Jeremy Camp Concert Volunteers with Loop Events

When: Friday, September 13th 5:30PM
Where: Council Road Baptist Church (2900 North Council Road Bethany, OK 73008)
Task: Passing out packets for Children of the Nations during intermission
Perks: Early FREE admission and enjoy most of the live music! 
 
Register to Volunteer Here!

Volunteer with RIVERSPORT Events

September 3^rd – 6^th: Paddle Trade Coalition Expo 

Description: An expo of paddle sports meeting for to display products and industry advancements between various vendors and retailers from around the country. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:  Will include running errands, helping with setup and cleanup for events, and answering questions from visitors and participants.

Link: https://www.givepulse.com/event/456251

October 4^th – 6^th: Oklahoma Regatta Festival

Description: The three-day event includes RIVERSPORT Rowing, Rafting and Dragon Boat League Championships, OG&E NightSprints racing, great food, family fun and fireworks to cap off racing Friday and Saturday evenings.

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

• Officials Assistants
• Motorboat Drivers
• Stakeboat Holders 

November 9^th: Holiday River Parade

Description: This event is typically how OKC kicks off the holiday season! Details have not yet been confirmed for this year but in the past we have had skiing elves, holiday boats, fireworks, hot chocolate, and more.

Volunteer Responsibilities: Running errands, helping with setup and cleanup, and answering questions from visitors and participants.

Volunteer with Edmond Round UP Club
Edmond Round-Up Club is looking for volunteers to help with Jr. Rodeos! Events take place one weekend a month through September.
Interested? Email kipmunn7456@gmail.com

OKC Beautiful Litter Blitz
Come volunteer with OKC Beautiful by creating or joining a LitterBlitz team! LitterBlitz provides the opportunity to give back and connect with friends, neighbors, civic clubs, and coworkers as well as the environment in a safe and easy way.

​Your team selects the location and the day to hold your cleanup. If you don’t have a place in mind, we will help you identify a location. Supply kits are provided, including trash bags, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Safety vests and trash grabbers are available depending on how many are borrowed at that time. To register your LitterBlitz group, click HERE!

Volunteer with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

Valir Hospice Volunteers
Valir Hospice is in need of volunteers for the following activities with their patients: Companionship/Sitting, Activities, Errands, and much more! Volunteers do not do anything that requires prior medical knowledge or experience. Interested? Call 405-609-3636 and ask for Amy Walkup.

Crossroads Hospice Volunteers Needed
Crossroads Hospice’s Ultimate Givers, or volunteers, are a vital part of our team. All duties of hospice volunteers benefit patients and families, directly or indirectly. All volunteers are required to attend a mandatory training.

• Patient Companionship – Provide companionship to patients and families at their place of residence.
• Office Support and Internships – Assist with routine office duties to enhance the sources provided by hospice (areas include HR, social work, chaplaincy, bereavement, etc.).
• Special Projects –In addition to hospice companions, volunteers also assist with coordinating special projects like “Gift of a Day”, Veteran Recognition Program, and much more
• Life Journals- Volunteers meet with patients and their families to gather pictures and stories to create a memorable scrapbook journaling the patient’s life. We call this “Gift of Gratitude”.
• Veteran to Veteran- We often have veterans on service and match them up with veteran volunteers for patient care or veterans recognitions.
• Alternative Methods- Pet visits, music, art, and aroma therapy (and more!) are all available for volunteer opportunities.
• Crafty Volunteers- On your own time, make cards, blankets, door decorations, etc. to make our patient’s day a little brighter.
• Respite Volunteers- Sit with patient in their home to provide a break for a caregiver or allow caregiver to run errands, rest, or simply get out of the house.

If interested you can email tiffany.fuller@crossroadshospice.com or call (405) 632-9631 to schedule training.

Caring Hearts Hospice Inc.
Caring Hearts Hospice is looking for volunteers interested in spending time with patients in a nursing home facility. This is great experience for anyone interested in the health care field.

Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation

• Matinee Theater performances
• Arts Education – basic painting/drawing techniques; etc.
• Specialized exercise programs (i.e. Tai Chi, dance, yoga)

For more information, contact head of Volunteer Services, Christa Cook, at Christa.Cook@goodshepherdhospices.com

Freedom City
Freedom City is looking for in-person volunteers to help with their homework helpers, math buddies, pen pals, and reading buddies programs! They are currently serving the schools F.D. Moon & John Marshall middle school. They provide options to volunteer in person or virtual. Students can Text "VOLUNTEER" to 405-322-5660.

For any questions, contact mentoring coordinator, Alexia Converse, at alexia@freedomcityokc.com or contact Reading and Math Buddies Coordinator, Lena Lawson, at lena@freedomcityokc.com or visit freedomcityokc.galaxydigital.com

Bethany Children's Health Center
Bethany Children's Health Center volunteer opportunities include:

• Patient Companion: Volunteers send one-on- one time with patients of all ages, with the goal of providing engaging activities, physical comfort, and joy. Weekday shifts are 9-11 am, 2-4 pm, 4-6 pm, and 6-8 pm.
• Play While You Wait: Volunteers provide engaging activities such as crafts, games, and puzzles to patients and siblings in the Outpatient Services waiting area. Weekday shifts are 8:30-10 am; 10-11:30 am; 1-3:30 pm.
• Special Education Volunteer: Volunteers assist in each of the Center’s six special education classrooms, assisting patients with language activities, music therapy sessions, craft projects and more. Classes last one hour and occur between the hours of 9 am-12 pm and 2-4 pm, M-F
• Therapy Gym Volunteer: This volunteer postition is open to college students who are currently pursuing degrees in physical, occupational or speech therapy, music therapy or recreation therapy. Volunteers facilitate one- on-one or small group activities, and sanitize and organize therapy equipment. Volunteers must commit to one weekly two-hour shift for 15 weeks. Shifts are 9-11 am and 2-4 pm, M-F.

For more information, contact Volunteer Services Manager, Bailey Tyler, at BTyler@bethanychildrens.org or 405-470-2284.

LifeSpring Hospice
LifeSpring Hospice has Volunteer Opportunities available for anyone 18 years or older with a heart to serve others. This opportunity is perfect for students that need community services hours and can spare a few hours a week. Volunteers are a vital part of their hospice team. They provide patients with companionship and give them the gift of their time. Volunteer Opportunities are available in Edmond, OKC, Norman, Chickasha, Pauls Valley, Shawnee and Sayre. They have patients in Edmond’s Touchmark at Coffee Creek Assisted Living Community and OKC’s Bellevue Health & Rehab Center who would love to have the companionship of a volunteer.

For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lee Lewis, at LeeAndrea.Lewis@lifespringhomecare.com or call 405-329-4545.

APEX Hospice
Apex Hospice is seeking volunteers to visit hospice patients that either live in their own homes or facilities. Volunteers will stop by for a friendly visit, help with chores, or give the caregiver a break. Volunteering is flexible and can work around any schedule.

Email or call Volunteer Coordinator, Brenda Garrett, to schedule a training at your convenience at Bgarrett.mission@gmail.com or 405-850-4580.

Feed the Children Volunteer Opportunities
Feed the Children is looking for volunteer groups to help build food or hygiene boxes that go out to families in Oklahoma. Shifts last 2-3 hours during the week and occasionally on Saturdays. In our Oklahoma warehouse, we have the pleasure of housing our Teacher Store which provides approved teachers with donated books, supplies, etc. The Teacher Store needs help from volunteers to check teachers in/out on shopping days, sort, organize, and stock the donated supplies.

To register or learn more, go to https://www.feedthechildren.org/get-involved/volunteer/ or contact Hailey Montgomery at hailey.montgomery@feedthechildren.org.

Humanity Hospice Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering with Humanity Hospice is a wonderful way to give back to the community, increase preference points for college, future employment and much more. There are many ways to volunteer at Humanity Hospice. Each area of service is equally important and all of them help us to achieve our goal of providing the best care possible for our patients and their loved ones.

Opportunities include but are not limited to the following:

• Administrative: This can be done between normal business hours; Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Tasks include helping with various office duties such as phones, filing, faxing, and putting together packets
• Events: These hours vary in days and times. Tasks include things like hosting Bingo at a facility, helping Marketers with various events and luncheons, dropping off gifts to patients, physicians and facilities, putting together crafts and gift baskets as well as other types of marketing needs.
• Patient Care: Humanity Hospice serves patients in numerous areas across the state both in homes and facilities. Volunteers who serve by visiting with patients and families may do so on days and times of their choosing. Patient care volunteers are there to provide emotional support through human contact. No administering of medications, medical interventions, hygiene services and so forth are done by volunteers. Simple companionship is all that is needed.

For more information, contact Kerri Wells, Volunteer Coordinator at kerri@humanityhospice.com

Edmond Mobile Meals
Edmond Mobile Meals needs volunteers for meal delivery to Homebound Seniors. Meals are delivered Monday - Friday between 10:30am-12:30pm. Volunteers pick up meals and deliver a route to homebound seniors in Edmond.

Visit https://edmondmobilemeals.org/volunteer/ to sign up to volunteer. For any questions please reach out to Cristi Twenter at cristi@edmondmobilemeals.org

City Care
Come help your local community by volunteering with City Care!

Why we do it:
City Care exists to do the work few others are willing to do.

They believe in the intrinsic value of every person. It is with love and compassion that they advocate for the overlooked in our community. They provide food for the hungry, relief for the hurting, and hold space for complete restoration of lives that have gotten off course. With enough endurance, it can be witnessed, firsthand, remarkable stories of transformation.

City Care was founded when a few friends simply did the next right thing, and followed a calling on their lives to offer a weekly breakfast to neighbors experiencing homelessness.

What you will do:
City Care has many opportunities for you to get plugged in with them to make a tangible difference in our city.

Each of their programs has ongoing volunteer needs. They can help you find an area of service that fits your unique interests and skills.

How to sign up:
Use This Link to sign- up as a volunteer at City Care or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Maggie Hudson, at maggie@citycareokc.org for more information.