compliment, which is why they think he gets along with children so well.

In addition to all he does for kids, Jeff also helped victims of Hurricane Katrina. While many students use their fall break for a quick relaxing vacation, Jeff took the opportunity to travel to Mississippi to do what he could for those devastated by the hurricane. The 14 hour bus ride down, sleeping on the floor, and long lines for a cold shower, was well worth it, reported many of the students, the experience was one no one would forget.

About Jeff Whitener...
Hometown: Salem S.C.
Degree Objective: Physical Education w/ concentration in Exercise Science
(Pre-Med)
Expected Graduation: Fall 2007
Current Employment: Residential Life and Housing (RA)
Current Volunteer Activities: I volunteer at a local elementary school during lunch. Every week I eat lunch with one of the students there. Weekly I also volunteer at an after school program, AS Kids, to help with homework. I will soon begin volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House.
Previous Volunteer Activities: Katrina Relief, I worked at a pet shelter last year, and I worked at the after-school program before as well. I also helped coach T-ball with my father as well as umpire local games.
What do you enjoy about community service? It allows me to share with children what they most want from others, and that's my time. I figure after graduation I won't have the time that I do now to be able to offer it the way I do now, so I better give it while I can.
What have you learned about yourself through volunteering? I have learned that a hug can do more for a child's day than I may ever know. You can brighten another's world just by caring.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering? That the feeling you get from helping others, you simply can't find any where else.
What is your most memorable volunteering experience? Right now it is being able to help with the Katrina relief in Mississippi. The devastation that we saw was unexplainable. You try to tell people what it was like and the words simply don't do it justice. I'll remember that forever.
What are you most proud of contributing to organizations you have helped? I'm proud that I can say that I really care about these peoples' lives, and that they are important, no matter how others view of them.
What are your plans after graduation? Medical school.
Describe a person's life who you think you made a difference in by volunteering: When we went to Mississippi, we were able to help a priest construct a place for him and his church members to hold Mass. I feel like this really meant something to him and his members. Seeing the smiles on their faces even though we were picking up the pieces of their tattered lives was inspiration enough to work hard and be appreciative of everything that we have.

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