Mollie Carty, 21

elementary education and reading
Student United Way Vice President
Belleville, IL

November 25, 2015

By Cassie Winter, University Communications and Marketing

How did you get started volunteering with Student United Way?

“I knew a couple of people who were already members and I wanted a chance to volunteer. Student United Way has a set time for its events, so it made it easy to get involved in the community that way.”

Why do you think it is important to give to the community?

“Even though this isn’t where I grew up, it’s still the community that I am a part of and I want to be involved in. I’ve found that if you’re focused on yourself it is easy to see the negative and what bothers you. When you see what other people are going through and if you can help them even a little bit, it helps focus your life in the right way.”

What has been your most impactful experience with Student United Way?

“The most impactful thing I have done is going to the HUB (Mental Health Center). We served a meal to the people there and afterwards we just got to spend time with them and got to know them. It’s amazing what people can go through and still be positive. I have to say one of the most fun projects I was a part of was playing bingo at a retirement home—they are such fun people.”

For more information on how you can get involved and give to your community visit MSUB Student United Way Facebook page at the Office of Community Involvement.

Student United Way projects include volunteering at the animal shelter, cooking for the Ronald McDonald house, spending time with the Boys and Girls Club, Christmas caroling and going to the HUB.

Meetings are once a week at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays this semester and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays during the Spring Semester.