Members of the Randolph-Macon College Students Engaged in Responsible Volunteer Experiences (SERVE) program know that giving back to others is rewarding in many ways. SERVE provides students with opportunities for volunteerism and service-learning and explores the root causes and contexts of social needs through connections with the greater community. 

SERVE members are currently volunteering at The Arc of Hanover, a grassroots organization that serves and advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Promoting Inclusion and Community Service 
The Arc of Hanover, located in Ashland, Virginia, recently was awarded a grant by The Arc of the United States and the Corporation for National and Community Service. The grant is being used to fund Inclusive Volunteering for Hunger, a project designed to promote inclusion and community service with a focus on hunger and food assistance. RMC student volunteers are vital to the project’s success. 

“RMC students pair up with individuals with developmental disabilities, and they work together at local organizations that provide food assistance,” explains Caroline Kistler, executive director of The Arc of Hanover, which is also collaborating on the project with FeedMore, Ashland Christian Emergency Services (A.C.E.S.), Meals on Wheels, and St. Andrew’s Society. Teams perform a variety of tasks: collect produce from local farms; package meals; and deliver meals. 

A Positive Impact 
Psychology major Dylan Thompson ’19 says volunteering with The Arc of Hanover is rewarding for everyone involved.  

“Working with people from The Arc of Hanover is such an enlightening experience,” says Thompson. “Too often, special-needs people are seen as ‘others,’ but I enjoy talking to and working with them and learning about how they experience life. What The Arc of Hanover is doing is a wonderful thing. Volunteering has opened my eyes to the importance of charitable organizations and initiatives.” 

Thompson is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, the Inter-Fraternity Council and the Fraternal Founders Society. His post-RMC plans include graduate school, and his career will likely center on helping others.

“I know that whatever I do, I want to make a positive impact in people’s lives and help make the world a happier place,” he says. “Too many people focus on the negative and don’t see the positive things that are happening around them.” 

Kistler says that student volunteers are vital to the success of the Inclusive Volunteering for Hunger project. 

“This initiative is focused on people with and without disabilities working together to help their community,” she explains. “It is important to us that this project show our community that people with disabilities are valuable members of society that have talents and skills to give, not just recipients of services. The Arc of Hanover is excited to collaborate with Randolph-Macon College on the Inclusive Volunteering for Hunger Project.”

Giving Back 
In 2015-16, RMC students collectively amassed more than 27,400 volunteer hours and donated $49,898.00 to various causes. Students in Fraternity and Sorority Life contributed more than 13,600 hours of collective service to the community and donated $1738.00 to various organizations and philanthropies. In addition, $21,000 was raised and donated to the American Cancer Society from the annual Relay for Life. 

Over 300 students participated RMC’s second Big Event, a day of service to give thanks to the Ashland community. The Students Engaged in Responsible Volunteer Experiences (SERVE) program, in the Office of Student Life, is an integral part of Randolph-Macon College.