The Welch Dining Room in Lyons Hall (or “The Rat,” as nearly every student on campus calls it) was abuzz on the evening of Tuesday, September 9.
The occasion? The 2014 Volunteer and Service Learning Fair sponsored by the Volunteer and Service Learning Center. Each year, the VSLC puts together the fair to showcase the variety of unique volunteering and service learning clubs and trips that are offered here at BC. If you couldn’t make it out to the event, here is a sample of the groups and trips present, as well as information for those interested in getting involved. For a comprehensive list of opportunities offered at BC, check out the VSL Center page!
What: Boston College branch of the American Red Cross that holds blood drives to promote the importance of giving blood
First Blood Drives:
September 16, Conte Forum Concourse
September 17, Stuart Hall (Newton Campus)
September 18, Walsh Function Room

Photo courtesy of umich.edu
What: Service group that takes trips to the Appalachian Region of the United States to help those stricken by poverty
When: Spring Break (meetings every Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. in the Eagle’s Nest)
First General Meeting: Sunday, September 14th at 6:00 p.m. in Eagle’s
Arrupe International Immersion Program
What: International immersion trips to Belize, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico and Nicaragua
When: End of Winter Break (as well as two-hour pre-meeting and post-trip retreat)
Application: Available in March
Artists Striving to End Poverty @ BC
What: BC Branch of ASTEP International, a group dedicated to transforming the lives of impoverished youth through artistic expression
First Meeting: Sunday, September 21. There are also biweekly meetings to discuss programming and activism

Photo Courtesy of herald-progress.com
Boston College Habitat for Humanity
What: BC branch of Habitat for Humanity, which aims to build homes and improve the lives of the homeless in the Boston area
First General Meeting: Thursday, September 11 at 8:30 p.m. in Devlin 008
Learning to Learn Dominican Republic Service-Learning & Immersion Program
What: Immersion trip to the Dominican Republic; Goal is to break stereotypes about poverty
When: Spring Break 2014
Informational Meeting: Wednesday, September 10 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in Stayer Hall
Mount Alvernia “Make a Difference Program”
What: Countless opportunities to volunteer with children from Mount Alvernia, a small Catholic School within walking distance of BC that teaches nursery school through sixth grade
Time Commitment: Once a week for as little as one hour

Photo Courtesy of bc.edu
What: Boston College branch of Relay for Life, an organization that raises awareness and funds for cancer research
When: Friday, March 27 at The Plex
What: BC’s largest weekly service organization
Time Commitment: 4 hours each week
Application: Due Friday, September 12. Followed by interviews during the week of September 15th
10th Annual Welles Remy Crowther Red Bandana Run
What: 5K in honor of Welles Remy Crowther ’99, a 9/11 hero (donations and volunteering for the actual race)
When: Saturday, October 25