Summer Volunteering: An Alternative to Employment?

Even though there are reports that the economy is slowly improving, it's still very tough out there for high school and college students who are seeking short-term employment over the summer.

There is a solution for students, or anyone for that matter, who has the drive to help the community. For some, volunteering might be the answer.

Nina Marraccini, the Harrison director of community services, explained how the community service office works. There's no specific volunteer program in Harrison, just an office located in Town Hall. The office is open year-round and works to arrange people looking to help with a program that fits their interests.

"In today's economy, it's really important to know that there's a support system," Marraccini said. "There are people that come into the office and they want to help, and I will help them get a program together that fits what they want to do and that helps a person that I know needs help." 

Community service has been viewed by some as a punishment. The important point is it can be fun and something that inspires people, especially when volunteer time is catered to individuals likes and dislikes.

"They have no idea when they come in here what community service is and that it can be fun and productive for them," she said. "That's how it's working right now and it evolves around a person's interests - it's not where I would ask someone to come in and wash the floor or windows or file."

Last summer, a young man entered the community service office and wanted to help, but had no idea what he wanted to do. Marraccini said that after a quick conversation about sports, the volunteer was able to start a sports clinic for underprivileged kids in the area.

"That's a good example of using someone's interest--people already have a desire to help other people with their passions and interests and sometimes it spreads to other people they know," said Marraccini. "They see how they make a difference."

There are also several existing projects for people looking to chip-in. One of them is an on-going clothing drive and a backpack program. The Children's Hope Chest in Purchase also collects and gives to other organizations like My Sister's Place and the Carver Center in Port Chester. 

"During school, L.M.K., Purchase, all the schools in Harrison, help with food drives," said Marraccini. "The Harrison Association of Teachers does great work. They also have clothing drives and they do a backpack program that starts every August into September, where they will stuff a backpack full of everything a kid needs to succeed in school."

Marraccini mentioned one of the teachers, Angela Ader, who works at Purchase School and a member of the organization. She shops for those supplies and puts them into bags for kids.

"It's a matter of raising funds, going out and shopping and also, as a teacher, she's sensitive of how important it is to be prepared for school, especially in this kind of community," Marraccini said.

With the cloud of the economic recession still lingering across the country, there has been an up-tick in volunteering. A sign that people are willing to give to those in need, especially in the worst of times.

"As awareness grows, people become aware that there are needs in Harrison and they come in and step-up," she said. "It's a wonderful community that way." 

The stock in the food pantry has tripled over the last eighteen months. Marraccini credits this to an increased awareness for those in need.

"It's crossing all economic, social and ethic boundaries, people become more aware of it and they'll call up and say, 'How can I help?'," she said.  

The need for volunteering is based on supply and demand. Many college and high school seniors who are out looking for work during the summer months may donate their time volunteering as an alternative to working.

"It really varies, this isn't a seasonal thing anymore," Marraccini said. "Any time is a good time for volunteering...Kids will have more opportunities to volunteer during the summer because they're not involved with school." 

The Harrison Community Services office is open on weekdays for anyone who would like to participate. For further information about the Harrison Community Services office, call Nina Marraccini at (914) 670-3026.