Several events are being held this week to highlight poverty worldwide and in Wyoming.
The University of Wyoming Center for Volunteer Service (CVS) along with Student Leadership and Civic Engagement (SLCE) sponsor the events.
In Albany County, 10 percent of families live below the poverty line, says SLCE graduate assistant Rachael Sherman.
"An easy thing people can do to help out local families is donate an old winter coat or new toiletries. It takes just about a minute, and can really help out," Sherman says.
A coat and hygiene product drive takes place all week long. Donations will be accepted at all of the events as well as in the SLCE office (Room 011 of the Wyoming Union).
A Wage Project Workshop will be held Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. in Room 102 of the Wyoming Union. This event highlights the wage gap between men and women in Wyoming. Sherman says it will help teach women about skills they need to help close the gap.
A Babysitter Mixer will be held Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m., also in Room 102 of the Wyoming Union.
"Consider it speed dating for babysitters, where both parents and sitters get to figure out if they are a good match," says Sherman.
The Good Mule Project Web site will be launched Thursday with a celebration at 7 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Skylight Lounge. Pizza will be served and Speakeasy Tiger and Greenhorse will perform. A tutorial/ reception for faculty and students will be held in the College of Agriculture auditorium at 5 p.m.
Events conclude Friday with a service day helping out residents and families in need. Interested participants will weatherize houses and volunteer at sites around town.
"It will take only two hours of your time," says CVS graduate assistant Kristen Owen "and will be meeting a community need for many."
A complete list of events and more information can be found at: www.uwyo.edu/uwvolunteers/info.asp?p=16391.
Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009