PTK Persists Volunteering despite Challenges
By Samantha Simmons
On and off the Hudson Valley campus, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is volunteering and helping out the community in a variety of ways.
On April 12th, members of PTK volunteered at LifeWorks Community Action in Ballston Spa. LifeWorks is a nonprofit organization that assists those in poverty on a local level in Saratoga County and the Northern Capital Region.
They help those in low-income situations with challenges such as hunger, utility costs, childcare and any language barriers they might face.
While volunteering, the PTK team packed 200 gallon-sized Ziploc bags filled with a variety of “healthy” snacks, juice boxes, toothpaste and toothbrushes. To be donated to local children in need.
Lamyaa Hassib, Advisor of PTK at HVCC said there have been many limitations on volunteering opportunities. Since some restrictions are being relaxed, PTK was fortunate to be able to help out LifeWorks.
Workers at LifeWorks mentioned that the group was the first volunteers they have had in almost a year at their distribution center.
Hassib said the HVCC PTK chapter is dedicated to volunteering and they are always looking for new opportunities to get involved. She continued that there are four hallmarks for members to achieve with one of those being served. PTK allows and encourages students to be involved in opportunities and fine-tune their skills to become responsible members of society.
Over the past year, members have worked on two initiatives. One being online mentoring. Members worked with the college’s Distance Learning Office in assisting peers with the transition of online classes.
Their other work includes promoting the “My HVCC” app that allows students to feel more connected to the campus community. Members of PTK created wristbands that were placed at the screening centers on campus that promoted the app, handing out info cards, hanging posters around campus and attending classes over Zoom to talk to students about the app.
Future volunteer plans include volunteering in Latham at the Northeastern Regional Food Bank monthly. Hassib said she would like for a continuation of volunteer opportunities with LifeWorks because of their work with the overhanging problem of children and families in need in the region. Next month, they will be working with the HicksStrong Foundation to paint “HugMugs” for members of the military. Renay Williams, Advisor of PTK with Lamyaa, has been working closely with this organization.
Currently, the focus of society is to get more PTK members involved. Members currently receive emails about events that are coming up and how they can get involved. Information can also be found on the chapter website and chapter meetings are held too.
Volunteer opportunities and any other suggestions for the Chapter can be sent to l.hassib@hvcc.edu or r.williams1@hvcc.edu.