They committed to giving their time to help others at the annual Volunteer Fair in the Memorial Student Center.

“Many local organizations depend on Marshall students,” P. Andy Hermansdorfer, director of student activities and Greek affairs, said.

The first volunteer fair was in 1993 and many organizations have come to it every year.

Devonia Love-Vaughn, case manager for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, said her group comes to the fair every time it is invited.

She explained a program targeted at college students called First Mentors at the fair. Recruitment, applications and appointments were also discussed.

“We have a good base with students,” Love-Vaughn said. “But we always need more, especially male students.

She also said that Marshall is a good school to get volunteers.

“Marshall is a community-based school and it provides a great way to give back to the community,” Love-Vaughn said. “This also gives the students, even the non-traditional students, the opportunity to work with kids.”

Interfaith Caregivers Network is another organization that attended the fair, for the fifth time.

It had an exhibit with information and materials about the organization. Students also had the chance to register for training, Director Laura Gilliam said.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to know who we are and what we do,” Gilliam said. “Even if we don’t get new volunteers, more people will have heard about us.”

Among some of the other organizations looking for help were Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity, Girl Scouts of the United States of America and Hospice of Huntington. 

Even though Marty Waddell, executive director for Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity, graduated from Marshall in 1971, she said this fair was the first she had attended. 

Waddell said she had been with the organization 11 months and received an invitation from Marshall to attend the fair. 

During the fair, Waddell gave out information about Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity. 

"Students can volunteer to do actual construction," she said. "They can also volunteer to do office work or help with providing lunch." 

Mark D. Plymale, junior counseling major from Huntington, is the president for Habitat for Humanity on campus. He said he has been volunteering for Habitat for Humanity since high school. 

Marilyn K. Pemberton, field director for Girl Scouts, also said many students stopped for information. 

The Girl Scouts have been to the fair several times, Pemberton said. 

"We need more college students," she said. "Anyone who used to be a Girl Scout could help with troop meetings, programs and activities." 

Anyone can be a volunteer to teach skills to Girl Scouts, such as arts and crafts or recreational activities, Pemberton said.

Jamie J. Leonard, sophomore social work major from Point Pleasant, was interested in helping the Hospice of Huntington. 

"I did some volunteer work with nursing homes in high school," Leonard said. "I definitely plan on volunteering for Hospice of Huntington."

Story by Courtney Ross
Photos by Marcie Hatfield