University Times

Christmas is easily the most celebrated holiday in the United States. Even the federal government shuts down for the day, something that it does for no other religious holiday.

Many people, though, particularly in an institution as diverse as Pitt, do not celebrate Christmas. But they still might like to do something in the spirit of the season to improve their community and perhaps feel more a part of the larger culture.

To help cope with this "December dilemma," Pitt's Center for Public and Community Service this year has put together a series of volunteer activities for the winter recess period.

"It's something for individuals who are not part of the Christian tradition, but perhaps would like to do something that would be in the spirit of helping their community," said Steve Zupcic, Volunteer Pool coordinator.

Along with providing members of the University community with more opportunities to volunteer, the series also will help to fill a real need for volunteers in the period between Christmas and New Year's Day, according to Zupcic.

Activities for which volunteers are being sought include painting, mail processing, a Habitat for Humanity project and the serving of meals to the homeless, including Christmas dinner (see Volunteer Pool list below).

"Christmas day dinner already has over 20 volunteers," says Zupcic. "I suspect we're going to hit 35 or more by the time we're finished." Since the Volunteer Pool was made part of Pitt's Center for Public and Community Service in July 1994, it has nearly tripled in membership, from 420 to 1,100, and doubled in projects, from 50 to 100 a year. "The average volunteer project takes about five hours and the average volunteer project has 25 people working five hours for a total of about 12,000 hours per year of volunteer effort from Pitt staff and faculty," said Zupcic.

The focus of Volunteer Pool projects also has shifted from athletic events such as the Pittsburgh Marathon to more social service activities. Zupcic said he will continue to expand activities as long as there are volunteers available. He also is open to suggestions for new projects.

–Mike Sajna