Giving back to the Buffalo community

Students who call Buffalo home during the summer months know that it can sometimes be as humdrum as finals week.

For many, the next three months will entail working eight-hour days for minimum wage at lousy summer jobs and cans of relaxation in front of the tube at night. Although the last thing on anyone's mind will involve productivity, there are ways to make the summer months leisurely while giving back to the Buffalo community - and shaping up that resume.

Come June when the public schools let out, there will be plenty of opportunities to volunteer with kids.

According to Matthew Hirschel, a junior psychology and political science major, the Gloria J. Parks Community Center on Main Street in Buffalo provides various recreational activities for the younger crowd. Volunteers are always needed to play sports with the kids or supervise arts and craft activities.

"It's like being a camp counselor," Hirschel said.

Most towns in the area have some sort of recreational program. Expert in a sport? Volunteers are always needed to coach summer baseball, softball, soccer or football leagues, requiring only a few hours an evening each week.

For those looking for more of a physical challenge, there are various marathons held throughout the summer aimed at supporting local charities. Anne Siejakowski, a graduate library studies major, takes advantage of these fun runs. There are a few marathons to benefit AIDS research, breast cancer, as well as an event sponsored by Nissan.

The Nissan marathon event on May 27 hosts three competitions: a marathon ($50), half marathon ($35) and relay ($100 for a team). All three events start at 7 a.m. and the top full marathon racers can even earn a spot in the illustrious Boston Marathon.

The marathon starts on Pearl Street and takes a less than orthodox route before ending on Franklin in front of the Buffalo Convention Center. All registration fees increase after May 25.

"I might not be the most talented runner out there, but it's nice to help others," Siejakowski said. She trains by running through the parks in Buffalo, particularly Delaware Park.

More information is available online at www.buffalomarathon.com.

The UB School of Social Work has formed a volunteer program known as the UB DREAM program, aimed at providing families with the tools for lifelong success.

Started in fall of 2003, the program provides transitional housing for single-parent families with up to three children under the age of 13, and pregnant women in their third trimester. The residents may inhabit the housing for up to two years while working to get back on their feet.

Volunteers can expect to assist with a wide variety of events and services to help the families, including hosting pizza parties, ice cream socials and bingo nights. The UB DREAM program is also in need of volunteers willing to assist those working toward their high school diploma or other educational pursuit.

Anyone interested in supporting the program can print out a volunteer application on their Web site, www.socialwork.buffalo.edu.