Once the semester kicks off and the arduous academic, personal and work related pressures mount, community service can become secondary. That does not make you a bad person, it means you, like the rest of us, are busy.

Warning: It is the holidays, the time of year notorious for its ability to make you feel responsible for stray animals, homelessness and the flu.

Volunteer organizations are ready, with open arms, to accept your help in aiding others. Santa is checking his list, and all of those weekend ‘what happened’ nights, class naps and days you did not call home are looming.

Get on Santa’s good list this year by helping out your community

Volunteering is a great way to earn some holiday ‘brownie points’ towards the American flag Chubbies and Kate Spade bag you have been eyeing since October.

“Be the change you want to see in this world,” said Gandhi. This is a sentiment that has withstood the test of time and is applicable to everyone.

As college scholars, we have a duty to uphold excellence, not only in our personal aspirations but in our community.

Encourage others, once you find the organization or cause you care about, get friends, family, and neighbors involved. Change can start, but does not end, with only you.

“My family has made a tradition of volunteering together every year before Christmas with a rescue mission… it makes the holidays just a little more special,” said engineering major Jordan Pontious.

Get on Santa’s good list this year by helping out your community whether you are in Fort Collins as a resident or student, it does not take much to help your community. Even if you cannot, spread the word so others you know who might have a spare hour here or there can make a difference.

If you are not sure where to start or want to donate your money to a good cause, here are a few suggestions:

• Fort Collins Habitat For Humanity Restore on South Taft Hill Road.
• The Fort Collins Rescue Mission is in need of volunteers year round, but during the holidays, the mission can get short staffed.
• Colorado State University and the City of Fort Collins host and promote opportunities to get your hands a little dirty and make people’s lives a little better.
• Visit: greatnonprofits.com.