Tim Matis 1:45 p.m. EDT October 9, 2014

A volunteer plays a game with a young girl at Treat Street, an annual Halloween event in downtown Salisbury. (Photo: submitted image )

Volunteering is a great way to become a leader. You take the initiative to step forward, take personal time out of your day and help make the community a better place.

Although volunteering was required for many students in high school, I feel volunteering as a college student is more fulfilling. For many, Salisbury is a second home; college students live in Salisbury more days out of the year than their hometowns.

Strive to make your “home away from home” a better place. The pride you have in your school should also reflect the pride you have in this town. By volunteering, you can make a positive difference in the community.

Earlier this semester, I joined the Salisbury Jaycees as a practicum student through Salisbury University’s communication arts department.

It’s easy to find volunteer opportunities and organizations on campus. The Jaycees provide a fun transition for similar opportunities in the community, and not only for college students. Membership is open to anyone ages 18-40.

The Jaycees also provide volunteer opportunities for those who are not members. Up to 300 Salisbury University students are expected to help during the organization’s seventh Treat Street safe Halloween trick-or-treating event, planned for 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, on the downtown plaza. The rain location is Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Business Center, 144 E. Main St.

The evening is focused on children ages 11 and under, with attractions such as candy tables, games, story time, a coloring table and photo opportunities.

Personally, I cannot wait for this event. Throughout my childhood, I took for granted the safety of the neighborhoods where I went trick-or-treating. I now understand not all children are so fortunate.

Now that I’m older, I can give back to the community by volunteering at Treat Street.

Of course, the Jaycees are involved in activities year-round, and one of the largest happens in December: the Salisbury Christmas Parade. The chapter has run this event since its first year in 1947.

This year’s theme is “A Very ’Bury Christmas,” scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 (rain date: Dec. 14).

Like Treat Street, it takes lots of volunteers — including university and local high school students — to make the parade a success.

Events such as these give Salisbury a sense of local pride and bring its citizens together in family-fun settings, whether you’re a full-time resident or a college student looking to give back.

Tim Matis is a junior communication arts major at Salisbury University and a practicum student with the Salisbury Jaycees.

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