Over the last few days, in an effort to help the community rebuild from Hurricane Helene, Georgia Southern’s Office of Leadership and Community Engagement has been helping students get out in the community and volunteer.

The office has worked closely with students over the years to help volunteer in the community. Emily Tanner has served as the Community Engagement Coordinator since June 2021, helping students connect with local resources and leading them to various volunteer opportunities in the 912 area.

When Hurricane Helene hit Statesboro, Tanner began working hard to get students out in the community. 

“We aren’t currently able to run any of our usual trips or volunteer opportunities because of the hurricane,” she said. “I’m trying to operate as a touchpoint for students who aren’t directly connected to some of our nonprofits,” she continued. 

Since classes were canceled for this week, it may be hard for students to find things to do, but volunteering is a great way to get out and help where needed.

 “Students are a part of the community, so it’s an opportunity to help get the community back up and running,” Tanner explained. 

On social media, various volunteer opportunities have been shared. Here are some of them:

• Pittman Park UMC Respite Station
  • Assistance is needed every day from 1 pm-7 pm with cooking, cleaning, serving, etc.
  • Contact Pittman Park at (912) 681-3213

• Feed the Boro
  • Food Drop on Saturday, October 5 from 7 am-11 am at Statesboro High School
  • Sign up at feedtheboro.com

• Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief
  • Volunteers will help with tree removal, roof tarping, and yard cleanup
  • Stop by the church to find out how you can help!
  • Located at 12376 US-301

More opportunities can be found on Instagram @gsuleadserve

While it’s important to help, Tanner talked about the importance of being safe.

 “If you’re going to go out and volunteer, do it with a community partner, and exercise extreme caution,” she said. “The need will continue after this week. The community will still be recovering for a while after this,” she added.

Along with the opportunities they have been posting on Instagram, the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement sends out a weekly newsletter with more ways students can help.