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For John Carroll Students giving back is a rewarding experience that can build both great friendships and future networking contacts. Finding the right avenue for year-end giving can be tricky for students. While donating money can help organizations in many ways, it’s simply not an option for many college students. Many people believe year-end giving is simply about donating money. It’s not - your time is a valuable asset that can help organizations in several ways. 

 

Fortunately, many courses in the John Carroll curriculum are rooted in service learning. Students who are not enrolled in these classes can still donate their time toward charitable causes. Not only does volunteering carry weight on a resume, there’s a sense of fulfillment in giving back to the community. 

 

A male and female student painting over graffiti at a community partner's location

Dani Robbins, professor and Director of Nonprofit Administration at JCU, says your college years are a great time to start a habit of charitable giving. She advises students to carefully choose the organization they plan to help.

 

I encourage you to consider your passion and find the charities that address those passions in our community.
Dani Robbins

Dani Robbins, professor and Director of Nonprofit Administration at JCU

Robbins says there are several factors you should research before committing to a charity. “Consider how much or little you want to get involved. Consider the leadership - do you respect them? Are they honorable and ethical people? Consider the values of the organization? Are they living those values? Do they align with your values?”

Professor Robbins offers more insight into weighing options when it comes to charitable giving versus volunteering in a recent article she contributed to on WalletHub.

As mentioned earlier, wallets are light for many college students. A volunteering commitment with a local organization may not be an option either. But there are other ways to donate your time and resources, especially when considering year-end giving options. 

 

You can make good use of the clothes you’ve grown out of or no longer wear by donating them to a clothing drive. These items go a long way to those in need, and you’re able to clean out your closet while helping others. 

 

The pandemic has put a severe strain on the nation’s blood supply. If you are healthy and willing, donating blood is another way to give back without a continual commitment and may save someone’s life. 

 

Jesuit Day of Service 2019

Civic engagement is an important part of the John Carroll experience. Establishing a framework to give back early on in life will pay many dividends down the road. Regardless of financial limitations or chaotic schedules there are plenty of opportunities to start giving one of the most precious commodities we have - our time.