By Zack Kime ’23, editor

LVC is providing their students with an opportunity to help do their part in promoting human trafficking and poverty awareness.

As part of the afternoon session at the 2023 Symposium on Inclusive Excellence, the Poverty Simulation will run from 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the Mund Underground. Volunteers for the event can enjoy lunch as they help to prepare and then undergo a brief introduction to the Simulation, starting at noon on Feb. 9.

“This event fills up quickly,” Jen Liedtka, Coordinator of Service and Volunteerism at LVC, said. “Interested students should check availability as soon as possible!”

The SOUPer Bowl Human Trafficking Awareness Event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 8 and gives students that chance to support a great cause, while enjoying homemade soup from Metz!

LVC students have hand painted 100 bowls that will be available for a minimum donation of five dollars each.

The bowls, soup and Human Trafficking Awareness information are available from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the aim is to get ready for the Super Bowl while spending the time to learn about the unfortunate realities of human trafficking. All proceeds will support the work of the Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center (SARCC) in Lebanon.

Outside of these volunteer opportunities, Liedtka has fostered a regular group that meets to sew and create bags for Caitlin’s Smiles, a local non-profit organization that works to provide children with the support and materials they may need throughout a medical emergency.

“Each bag will be filled with arts and crafts activities to be given to children who are hospitalized,” Liedtka said. “Even if you have never sewed before, come, and learn!  Or there are other tasks that need to be completed, such as cutting and pinning material.”

Remember to take advantage of these great volunteer opportunities and more this spring!