Ways to give back to the community

As the holiday season approaches, students can find many volunteer opportunities that will benefit the community.

The Giving Tree

The Volunteer Network at North Dakota State University along with Student Activities are sponsoring the annual Giving Tree program. Everyone is encouraged to participate if they know a student, faculty or staff member who needs assistance providing gifts for their child/children. The deadline to register is Nov. 25. Anyone can learn more about the Giving Tree program through NDSU’s Volunteer Network.

Fill the Dome

Fill the Dome is a food drive run by the Volunteering Network allowing everyone to donate nonperishable food items such as cereal, pancake mix, pasta and other canned goods. Drop off locations include the Herd Shop, the Volunteer Network located in the Memorial Union, Minard Hall, NDSU Library, West and Residence Dining Halls and the Prairie Roots Food Co-Op. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 21 and with every food item donated (excluding ramen), anyone can enter a drawing for a chance to win Jimmy Johns and Caribou coupons. Every five items donated leads to a chance of winning a $20 Herd and Horns gift card or a $10 Coffee and Waffle Bar gift card. Once the food drive is over, volunteers will fill the Fargodome with the donated items to see how full it is. Last year, 2526.03 ounces ($339.12) were donated.

Coat Drive

Students can donate their new to slightly used coats during a coat drive held by the LEAD program through Residence Life. The coats donated will go to the Gladys Ray Shelter and Veterans Drop-in Center which are both local community organizations. Individuals in need will be provided the proper gear for winter. Donations can be dropped off at the boxes located in each residence hall and in the Residence Life Office located in West Bison Court. The coat drive will end on Dec. 1.

Sock Drive

Operation: Defeat Cold Feet is a sock drive which will provide homeless shelters throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area with socks. The sock drive will last until the week before Thanksgiving break. Donations can be dropped off outside of the Herd Shop, Family HealthCare, Moorhead American Legion, West Acres Bowl, Ignite Chiropractor and NAU County Insurance.