Despite their busy school schedules, students in CMU’s philanthropic committee find time to benefit the community through volunteering.

“ASG’s Philanthropic Committee isn’t just about giving donations, it’s about making an improvement in the community,” senior and ASG senator Jennifer Graham said.

Graham said ASG has done philanthropic work for a long time, but there was no official committee until last year.

The committee recently volunteered at The Mission, a shelter for homeless men funded entirely by donations. Last semester, the committee served a free Thanksgiving dinner on campus.

“The Thanksgiving dinner had a large turnout,” senior and ASG senator Whitney Neill said. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of Sodexo and donations from the community.”

The committee also raised money for The Red Cross’ disaster relief fund and helped students at Chatfield Elementary buy Christmas presents for their families.

The committee plans to volunteer at Cross Orchards Historic Site, a museum run entirely by volunteers recreating life in Mesa County during the early 20th century. The committee wants to find a permanent place to volunteer.

Graham said she has volunteered her whole life.

“I believe that every person should experience the good feeling that you get when you volunteer,” Graham said. “I’m very passionate about volunteer work. That’s why I wanted to join this committee.”

The committee currently consists of six ASG members. Students interested in implementing volunteer work into their club or who want to volunteer individually can contact the committee for advice and assistance. Email Graham at jgraham@mavs.coloradomesa.edu.

“Many charities and outreach programs are underfunded and understaffed,” Graham said. “I would like to see more people and more clubs get involved in philanthropic work, too. We want our committee to positively influence other clubs.”