A number of Rice University athletes are giving back to the community by volunteering at West University Elementary School.
Since the beginning of school, more than two dozen Rice athletes have donated their time and talents to West U Elementary by reading to the younger students, assisting with field day activities, signing autographs and discussing their experiences and aspirations.
Suzanne Boue, parent of kindergartener Jason Boue and Rice University assistant athletic director, has been assisting in scheduling and coordinating the student volunteers. Boue said everyone involved has benefitted from the experience.
“The students benefit by having the opportunity to interact with these well rounded role models and the volunteers benefit by being able to look outside themselves and focus on the needs others,” Boue said.”
Boue added that volunteering is ultimately about helping others and having an impact on people’s well-being. As volunteers, the Rice students have the chance to return to society some of the benefits society has given them, and through volunteering individuals can heighten their sense of compassion and gain a better understanding of the world beyond their front door.
Opportunities to volunteer in Houston are available in neighborhood churches, schools, food banks, hospital and volunteer coordinating agencies such as Volunteer Houston.
Anyone interested in volunteering at a neighborhood school can either contact that school or Houston Independent School District VIPS Coordinator Vicki Luna.
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