From the second floor of the Chamberlain Student Center, the Office of Volunteerism, Community Engagement & Commuter Services works as the extended arm of the university.

The office works to provide aid to those in need, whether they be a commuter to Rowan University, a hungry family in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area or an organization who works to aid others. The Office of Volunteerism, Community Engagement & Commuter Services could be said to do it all.

Bringing together a group of students that are willing to help others and connect the community together is an inspiring aspect that the Office of Volunteerism, Community Engagement & Commuter Services brings to Rowan.

“You really see the giving and caring side of our college students,” said Naveen Kahn, graduate special education student and the graduate director of the Office of Volunteerism, Community Engagement & Commuter Services.

Kahn explained that any student would be able to volunteer should they desire if they attend a guideline session or schedule a one-on-one with her. The importance of volunteering is to help others and to spread awareness for problems throughout the community.

The next guideline session is being held on Nov. 12, and they are usually held monthly during the university’s operating months.

The office is currently planning on going to a number of events, including going to a food bank in Pennsauken, an animal shelter in Salem County and Juniper Village in Williamstown.

The office is currently taking food donations for the Adopt A Family program, which happens every year around Thanksgiving time to give families a decent holiday meal. This program’s goal is to feed about 100 families each year.

The food donations can be given in small, medium and large boxes provided by the office. They ask for non-perishable goods with the ability to give perishable goods through a ticketing system. Individual food items will also be accepted.

“Last year the office had sent out 136 boxes of food through this program and the year before that we had sent out 156 boxes,” said Shelly Klink, a coordinator for the Office of Volunteerism, Community Engagement & Commuter Services. “On top of that, the office also sent out over $4200 in gift cards.”

The office will be accepting food for this event on Nov. 13 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The food will be delivered on Nov. 19 and Nov. 20.

This massive event is only a part of what the office of Volunteerism, Community Engagement & Commuter Services does each year at Rowan University.

“I am very proud of our university and very grateful we can help,” Klink said.

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