Volunteer trips to Mexico and New Orleans has enlightened Doris Nordin about understanding problems and helping out.

Nordin, student volunteer center coordinator at the Newman Center, said that many students see only what is around them and the world seems fine even though there is much help that is needed all over.

Nordin has traveled with students to places including Mexico and New Orleans to better understand the cultures and the problems so they can lend a hand and today students can learn how they can directly help the surrounding area.

“I think it is important for students to realize the less fortunate in this area,” said Kevin Atkins, orientation coordinator.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Library Quad, about 20 Coles County organizations will set up tables inviting students to volunteer with their organizations for the first Volunteer Day sponsored by the orientation office and the student volunteer center.

“It opens your eyes to see what is going on outside,” Nordin said about volunteering.

Although there are places to help out around town, Nordin finds it just as rewarding to help out in other areas.

In Mexico, Nordin and other students lived with a community to observe the living conditions and to see what the people there are fighting for.

Understanding the culture of unfamiliar places is an enlightening experience and helps in volunteering, Nordin said.

Nordin has visited Mexico twice, once during spring break last year, and at the end of November, she will have also visited New Orleans twice.

The first time Nordin and students visited New Orleans was three months after Hurricane Katrina to help out with the damage and victims.

“They still need help,” Nordin said.

From Nov. 19 to 23, the second trip will be dedicated to fixing and building houses and although, Nordin will not be going to Mexico again this spring break, she and others will go to 12 different places like Canada and Georgia to help out.

At one place in Kansas City, Mo., students will visit the Vincent Family Center to work with children.

“That is a wonderful experience,” Nordin said. “You learn a lot from kids.”

The student volunteer center in which Nordin works will be just one of the places represented at Volunteer Day.

Others include on campus volunteer groups like Habitat for Humanity and the Haiti Connection. Area groups present include Douglas Hart Nature Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Mattoon Area Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS).

John Heldman, director of PADS, welcomes the opportunity to be at Volunteer Day and invite students to help provide shelter and meals for those in need.

“I think it is a vital resource to help educate the public,” he said.

About 5 percent of the volunteers at PADS are Eastern students and Heldman would like that to increase but understands that distance from campus makes it difficult.

With volunteering, Heldman thinks that the most important thing is realizing that everyone might need assistance at some point in life.

“I also hope that they (know there) are no guarantees in life,” Heldman said.

Also at volunteer day will be music provided by WEIU radio station as well as popcorn to celebrate the first Volunteer Day.

“I am thinking it will become something exciting,” Atkins said. “Without a doubt we are planning on doing it next year.”