Senior projects, college internships, community service hours, and more

In the spring of 2017, Crater High School student Andrew Morris was looking for a senior project that would help people in his community. He was already volunteering once a week at ACCESS in the Durable Medical Equipment department when he contacted ACCESS Volunteer Specialist Chris Kline to learn about other opportunities.

Kline connected Morris with ACCESS’ Nutrition department and together they organized a significant fresh produce distribution to the West Main Church of Christ in Medford.

“It was exactly what I was looking for,” says Morris. “It met all the parameters of my senior project and it was fun, too. I learned a lot.”

Students of all ages have found ways to meet class requirements at ACCESS, even if they only need a couple of hours. In December, 11 students from South Medford High School’s Interact Club volunteered to accept donations and pass out candy canes during the annual Greystone Court Holiday Food Drive. Internships are occasionally available for college students as well.

“One of the strengths of our volunteer program is the variety of opportunities,” says Kline. “Along with our food pantry partners and community gardens, we often have canned food drives, warehouse repacks and annual events on-site and off. Often it’s just a matter of matching up someone’s availability with the needs that we have.”

To volunteer with ACCESS or to learn more, call (541) 774-4315 or email ckline@accesshelps.org.

Submitted by ACCESS