The Eastern New Mexico University volleyball team received the "Volunteer of the Month" award from the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 27 at Greyhound Arena.
Coach Sia Poyer explained that volunteer work is "needed and vital in any community. We love Portales and always want to give back as much as we can."
"Some of our players had never done community service. It is important for them to be selfless and understand why it's important to serve others and not expect anything in return," he added. "I really like how they all take ownership and pride in helping."
All of ENMU's athletic teams perform community service work. The volleyball team has completed over 250 community service hours every year since Coach Poyer became the head coach in 2014. "We're proud of our community, and we want to help as much as possible," he said.
They have participated in many community service projects, including setting up and decorating for the Holiday Happening, bagging items for the Food Distribution at Central Christian Church every third Saturday of the month, helping with an auction at Yam Theater, serving food at the Spaghetti Dinner for Destination Imagination, volunteering at Eastern in Action, picking up trash for Adopt-A-Highway and spending time with children at the New Mexico Christian Home.
The volleyball players share their volunteer experiences and why they think it is important to get involved:
Name: Desiray Anderson
Major/Classification: Biology and Pre-Med/Junior
Volunteer work you have participated in:
For volleyball over the years that I have been at Eastern, I have done work as a volunteer in many areas including:
Food Distribution: We bag food and give it out to people in need
Sunday Clinics: We host camps and help out children in the community learn about the sport of volleyball.
Holiday Happening: We helped all the people set up their tables and served food.
RGH Dinner: We helped auction items and collected quarters and roll them for the hospital.
Spaghetti Dinner: We served guests dinner.
Crab Fest: We served food to guests.
Eastern in Action: We helped clean up the community.
Mile Trash Pickup: We picked up a mile along the highway, and we cleaned up all the trash along with it.
Children's Home: So far we have only viewed their locations, but plan to do more work with them in the future.
Co-ed tournament: We put on a tournament at Eastern. We kept score and refereed the whole tournament.
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
For me, food distribution stands out the most because we are helping these people make it to the next time they will see food next. We are trying to decrease the poverty level and help these people survive. It stands out to make because we get to interact with people and see exactly what situation they are in and how thankful they are for anything we give them.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
A reason I volunteer is that there are a lot of organizations that need more hands that they can't pay for. I also just love being an active member in my community and helping anywhere I can be used. I think everyone should volunteer because it could make a huge difference in the community if we do more together to help and support the small town of Portales. A way people could get started is just going around and asking where they can help. In Portales, a lot of churches do volunteer work, and that would be a good place to start.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
My favorite thing about volunteering is just to see how many help impacts the community and the people individually. It is an amazing feeling to help someone in need and just to know you are helping your community and trying to make it a better place for everyone. As an athlete, it is good to go out in the community because people already know you, but now they really get to know you as an individual, not just an athlete.
Future volunteering plans:
Some of my personal future volunteer plans are to help with tutoring students in the sciences. I would like to help middle and high school students with science fair projects and work with Meals on Wheels in both Portales and Clovis. I am also going to continue doing food distribution, Eastern in Action and coaching.
Name: Jenny Martinez
Major/Classification: Political Science/Junior
Volunteer work you have participated in:
Food distribution at Central Christian Church, Holiday Happening as food servers at Portales High School, Yam Theater auction assistant, spaghetti dinner, District Attorney's office assistant, Portales concession stand at high school basketball games
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
Food distribution because I can see the effect it has on the community and because of the numerous times that we have participated in it.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
I volunteer because I can. I love being a part of something that spreads wealth and happiness across society. Especially in a town like Portales, where everyone is friendly to one another and appreciates the time in to help. Others should volunteer because they are able to. I know that if I didn't have the physical capabilities or the socioeconomic status that I do, that I would appreciate someone taking the time out of their day to do something that benefits me.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
I love that I can help people. I think that all individuals somewhat strive to make a difference in society, but are all so busy pursuing their everyday activities. It's hard sometimes to make that step. Community service is often looked at as a burden or punishment because often there is no direct benefit to the individual performing it, but many people don't notice how necessary it is to society. The little things always add up, and while it takes time, I love being a part of this problem.
Future volunteering plans:
I plan to continue volunteering at the food distribution and being a blood donor for United Blood Services.
Name: Alba Ontiveros
Major/Classification: HPE major and Athletic Training Minor/Senior
Volunteer work you have participated in:
Worked food distribution at Central Christian Church. We helped box, sort and handed out food to those in need. Also helped work the registration table, since a lot of people who come through speak Spanish. We have also worked fundraisers for Destination Imagination by serving and cleaning at their spaghetti dinners. We volunteer at any other events around town that need extra people to help with whatever is needed.
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
The one instance of volunteer work that stands out the most is working the food distributions because all of the community members and ENMU Athletes come together to help a good cause every month.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
I volunteer because I want to give back to the community that has supported our team throughout the years. Others should volunteer for the simple gesture of saying thank you to the community and can easily get started by asking neighbors or town stores if they need help with anything.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
My favorite thing about volunteering is getting to meet people of our community, and they get to know me outside of volleyball.
Future volunteering plans:
For future volunteer plans, I would like to coach volleyball camps to the areas around Portales.
Name: Sabrina Garza
Major: Communication Disorders
Volunteer work you have participated in:
Food distribution at Central Christian Church, Holiday Happening as food servers at Portales High School, Yam Theater auction assistant, spaghetti dinner, District Attorney's office assistant, Portales concession stand at high school basketball games
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
My favorite community service would definitely have to be the food distribution at Central Christian Church.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
I volunteer because I enjoy helping the community. I feel that people should volunteer to help others and do all that they can do.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
My favorite thing about volunteering is being able to observe firsthand the difference you are making.
Future volunteering plans:
My future plans would simply be to help the Portales community in any way needed.
Name: Taylor Gikas
Major/Classification: Physical Education and Nutrition/Sophomore
Volunteer work you have participated in:
We volunteered at the food distribution at a local church giving food to families in need monthly, at the Holiday Happening in the CUB serving food, at the Yam theater serving and rolling coins/announcing BINGO numbers and products, at the spaghetti dinner in the Memorial Building serving food and drinks and helping with cleanup, at the Children's Home in Portales interacting with the children and dog walking for the local shelter.
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
The food distribution because we get to touch many peoples' lives in a short time. We give back to the community that supports us.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
I volunteer to help give back to the local community and hopefully brighten someone's day. Others should volunteer because we all need help sometimes and we can always do things to support each other. Others can begin volunteering by asking around the local community and looking at bulletin boards.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
The best thing about volunteering is to see the smile on other people's faces and hearing the stories they share.
Future volunteering plans:
My future volunteer plans include finding/continuing to give back to my community. Hopefully, adding a project that has to do with the University.
Name: Kaitlyn Kiuna
Major/Classification: Finance and Economics/Junior
Volunteer work you have participated in:
Over my three years, we have done food distribution every month at Central Christian Church, Eastern in Action where we clean up the town with the University, running middle school dances, crab fests, spaghetti dinner, Holiday Happening and a Roosevelt General Hospital fundraiser. We also helped with kids from the Children Homes in Portales by playing and talking with them.
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
The RGH fundraiser stands out the most because we were there for almost five hours and probably rolled close to $5,000 worth of quarters that night. They were very thankful and told us they couldn't have done it without us.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
I volunteer because it is a great way to help the community, there are so many people who need to be helped. It's nice to be able to give that help and support.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
My favorite thing about volunteering is seeing the people's faces we are helping. To see the gratefulness and joy on their face makes it worth it.
Future volunteering plans:
We do intend to continue with food distribution each month. Many of our other projects present themselves as we go, but we do continue to help the community of Portales in any way we can.
Name: Tateum Harrison
Major/Classification: Secondary Education/Freshman
Volunteer work you have participated in:
Some volunteer work I have done with volleyball includes food distribution with Central Christian Church, the RGH Foundation auction at the Yam Theater and the Holiday Happening in the CUB Ballroom.
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
The volunteer work that stands out the most to me is the food distribution. Although I am not from New Mexico, I am very concerned with the poverty level here. I believe there is something more we can do to help.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
I volunteer because not everyone had the same opportunities I have and I enjoy helping. Getting started is simple; just ask around to see how you can help. All it takes is one random act of kindness at a time.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
My favorite thing about volunteering is knowing I have made a difference in someone's life.
Future volunteering plans:
Our future volunteering plans include doing the same events as we are now, and if someone happens to ask us for help with a project, hopefully, we will be able to help.
Name: Marissa Ellis
Major/Classification: Biology/Freshman
Volunteer work you have participated in:
The community service we have participated in are food distributions, helping set up for banquets or dinners, a volleyball camp for girls of all ages and plenty more. There usually take place at ENMU or a church.
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
Food distribution stands out most to me because Portales has a high poverty rate and we are helping those in need. We hand out food that will help people last the week.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
We volunteer to give back and help to those who need it. People should volunteer because it is a great way to help the community and make people smile. To get started, go to your local church.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
My favorite thing about volunteering is interacting with the community.
Future volunteering plans:
I plan to do more volunteer work throughout the year in Portales.
Name: Julie Tucker
Major/Classification: Social Work/Freshman
Volunteer work you have participated in:
Food distribution at Central Christian Church, Holiday Happening as food servers at Portales High School, Yam Theater auction assistant, spaghetti dinner, District Attorney's office assistant, Portales concession stand at high school basketball games
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
Food distribution is definitely one that stands out to me. Seeing how many families that the church helps honestly amazes me, and being able to help with that makes me joyful.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
I volunteer because I find it important to help others when you have that ability.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
The feeling you get after seeing what you've done in the long run. Such little things can make a huge impact on our community.
Future volunteering plans:
We plan on continuing to find local organizations to help out the community.
Name: Jasmine Gannon
Major: Mathematics for Secondary Education
Volunteer work you have participated in:
Holiday Happenings: CUB ballroom, served guests drinks and food
Food distribution: church, take/sort food to people's cars who needed it
Spaghetti dinner: community center, helped serve food
Chinese Auction: Yam Theater, served as cashiers, showcased items, called out bingo numbers
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
Food distribution: We got to sort out all types of foods and soon after go to carry them out to the cars of those in need. We got to talk with them, too.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
I volunteer because it is a very humbling thing to do for our community and something pleasing to do with my spare time. Others should volunteer because it can change others' lives and perspectives. I would suggest starting small (food distribution) and moving up to the bigger tasks.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
Getting to bond with my team while helping others.
Future volunteering plans:
March food distribution and monitoring cars at the car show.
Name: Natasha McClendon
Major: Criminal Justice
Volunteer work you have participated in:
Food distribution, New Mexico Christian home
Which instance of volunteer work stands out the most to you?
The New Mexico Christian home stands out the most to me because it was a lot of fun meeting all the girls and being able to put a smile on their faces.
Why do you volunteer? Why should others consider volunteering and how should they get started?
I think volunteering is a good way for people to get to know what is going on in their town and more people should do it for the experience.
