For those looking to give back, the Illini Union Office of Volunteer Programs hosted the Volunteer Fair Wednesday, which housed 60 organizations providing volunteering opportunities to students.

The groups varied from Registered Student Organizations to small community agencies and even some national agencies, said Vaneitta Goines, director of the Office of Volunteer Programs and program advisor for Student Programs and Activities. There was a steady flow of student traffic at the event, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., especially during lunch time, she said.

Volunteer opportunities included donating blood, building houses or caring for animals.

Much can be done in the campus and its surrounding community, Goines said.

“There are a lot of needs in the Champaign-Urbana community,” she said. “Giving back always makes a difference in terms of meeting those needs as well as meeting needs students may have, like personal interest, passion for helping others who are less fortunate or even career-related opportunities.”

Students can choose to volunteer regularly, or seek out one-time events that don’t require a major time commitment, Goines said. One example of this is KABOOM!, a national organization that builds playgrounds in impoverished neighborhoods, and will have a park built in Champaign on Oct. 8th, co-sponsored by the Champaign Park District.

“Volunteering is a great way to build resumes, meet other students and really be involved with the community,” said David Genty, Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator with the Champaign Park District.

The Champaign Park District hosts volunteer events in addition to the KABOOM! park build, such as nature day events and Boneyard Creek clean-ups.

For those who seek volunteering in exotic locations, several organizations that sponsor volunteering abroad had booths at the fair.

One of these organizations is Childreach International, which hosts expeditions to Tanzania, India, Ghana and Nepal.

“We’re a nonprofit dedicated to improving health care, education and child protection rights throughout the developing world,” said Amanda Leibovitz, fundraising director for Childreach International.

Students interested in going abroad can fundraise money to participate, so it ends up being an affordable way to see another country, she said.

Regardless of where, volunteering can enhance the college experience, said Lisa Sparrow, Donor Relations Coordinator for the Community Blood Services of Illinois.

“Volunteering is a really important part of being a college student, getting out into the real world,” Sparrow said.