The Combined Fund Drive runs through Nov. 21. Throughout the drive, University Week will feature faculty and staff who give back to the community by volunteering their time.
Name: Suzanne Anderson
UW position: Administrative Assistant, Student-Athlete Academic Services
Volunteer activity: Organizer of a semi-annual clothing drive for homeless people in the University district. Member of the Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board, an 11-member group appointed by the mayor’s office and City Council.
Time as a volunteer: More than two years on the clothing drive, a year and a half on the pedestrian advisory board.
Why this activity? I organize the clothing drive because the number of homeless people – not only on University Way but on campus as well – was leaving me with a feeling of helplessness. Giving spare change did not seem to solve any immediate problems. Keeping people warm with shoes and clothing seemed to serve more of a purpose. Our department also gives clothing in the spring so that those who are in search of employment have a more appropriate wardrobe from which to choose. I joined the pedestrian advisory board because I am a firm believer in finding solutions to Seattle’s continuing transit problems. Walking contributes not only to a healthier mind and body, but to cleaner air as well. Providing pedestrians with safer sidewalks and a wider variety of connecting pathways encourages people to use this means of transportation more frequently.
Satisfaction in volunteering: Knowing that I have stepped forward and made some kind of contribution. The problem of homelessness remains, but helping a fraction of the people is more comforting than feeling hopeless and doing nothing. As a member of the pedestrian advisory board I have discovered the extreme complexity of the city government and I’ve also met a variety of devoted people.
For more information about the Combined Fund Drive, talk to your local CFD coordinator or visit the Web site: http://depts.washington.edu/uwcfd.