Ashley Mason

I volunteered for two sessions of Artistic Archery for a total of 3 hours. I spent my time filling balloons with paint so that attendants could shoot them with bow and arrow to create splatter painted items. I also assisted Craig with clean up after everything was done. This opportunity gave me perspective as to the important of community and getting outside and active. Although none of us knew each other, while we were shooting archery together and making art we had a mutual experience and created lasting memories. I am thankful I got to help create joy in my community and I look forward to volunteering again with the Wood County Park District in the future!

I assisted the Brown Bag Food Project by helping them sort and unload food delivered by a truck. We check for expired food, divided food (like tea bags) into small portions, and stored them in their designated area. Before volunteering with the Brown Bag Food Project, I didn't know much about the organization other than the fact that it's a food pantry. After working with them, I've now learned that over 14% of Wood County residents struggle with food insecurity, but thankfully there are 5 food pantry's in the area to help. I volunteered with the Brown Bag Food Project several times, and it makes me very happy that I can be a part of this force for the community, and I look forward to volunteering for them again.

Myself and one other participant were in charge of turning off the lights in the Education building here on campus. We worked from the top floor to the bottom turning off the lights we were instructed to. We also recorded the number of plastic bottles the reusable fountains had prevented. I've known of FNL for my entire time here at BGSU, but I was not aware that they have persevered almost $15,000 worth of electricity. Producing electricity requires the burning of fossil fuels, so my participation in FNL helped to save money and non-renewable resources for a happier planet.

I helped remove invasive honeysuckle plants from Otsego Park. We used cutters and/or handsaws to remove honeysuckle plants, where they were then put through a woodchipper. Finally, a Wood County staff member sprayed a herbicide on the stumps. This volunteer opportunity opened my eyes to how much good work can be accomplished if enough people are willing to give their time. In less than three hours a group of 30 of us were able to clear a large patch of honeysuckle, and it looked totally different afterwards! If I were to volunteer to do something like this again, I would make sure to wear clothes that burrs' can't stick to, because I was covered head to toe after!

I volunteered with the Wood County Park District's Recreation to assist young participants in learning the role of hunting as part of a healthy environment. I helped in moving the 3D targets, handling the archery materials, and spotting during shooting. This service helped educate the youth on how hunting can help maintain a healthy ecosystem, and how to treat the animals being hunted with the respect they deserve. Our society has created a disconnect between consumers and their food sources, so these services are important to remind us that there are real creatures behind the food we consume, so we must be as kind as we can as a way to thank these creatures for donating their lives to satiate our bodies.

I volunteered at the Brown Bag Food Project on 4/15 from 10am-12pm, 4/21 from 4pm-7pm, and 4/22 from 10am-12pm for a total of 7 hours. On 4/15 and 4/22 I unloaded, organized, and put away various pallets of food delivered from a truck. On 4/21, I helped fill bags with food to be given to the public, and then spent the rest of my time dividing ground coffee into smaller bags, as seen in my photo. Before volunteering with the Brown Bag Food Project, I didn't know much about the organization other than the fact that it's a food pantry. After working with them, I've now learned that over 14% of Wood County residents struggle with food insecurity, but thankfully there are 5 food pantry's in the area to help. It makes me very happy that I can be a part of this force for the community, and I look forward to volunteering for them again.