By MELISSA WALKER

Staff Writer

Making a difference matters in Ruston.

Nicki Booker, a spring quarter 2004 graduate in sociology and English and a camp counselor for The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, said students are realizing the satisfaction achieved by volunteering for local non-profit organizations.

Booker also said the benefits of volunteering outweigh the effort.

"Think about all of the free time when you are watching television, you could be helping a child," Booker said.

Booker said the Girls and Boys Club is a great way to get involved.

"It is a movement to inspire and enable all young people," Booker said. "We realize the responsibility and potential of the young people to be productive and caring."

Booker said the Boys and Girls Club seeks to meet this goal by organizing different activities resulting in learning leadership skills, basic computer skills and communication skills.

Booker said student volunteers show profound dedication.

"Anyone can come for a paycheck, but when you come here for free, it means you really care," Booker said.

Roshonda Lewis, a senior psychology major, said Domestic Abuse Resistance Team also appreciates its volunteers and thinks the students benefit from the experience.

"We are always looking for volunteers," Lewis said. "Volunteering here helps you realize how many people in Lincoln Parish are involved with domestic abuse."

Lewis said there are several organizations aiding DART. Fifth year senior architecture majors, Lewis said, have been working on building a playground for since March.

Jeff Hough, a senior architecture major, said their project was planned with the women and children in mind.

"We wanted to really benefit people by paying attention to specific detail," Hough said.

Hough said the playground is of an unusual design.

Hough said his architecture group did extensive research and found that abused children and women have issues with height. Hough said that because of this, there is no point in the playground that exceeds fence height.

DeNeise Barlow, the director of recreational services at the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home, said the Methodist Children's Home, located at 901 S. Vienna, is also helped out by organizations.

Barlow said the Junior Auxiliary League helps out.

Barlow said the sororities on campus also help out in numerous ways. Other clubs, organizations, church groups and families sponsor homes during Christmas.

Barlow said she appreciates the volunteers.

"We have really been blessed by a lot of great folks," Barlow said.

"It adds to the social interactions with the kids."

Barlow said the volunteers are also refreshing for her. "I enjoy working with the help. I love what I do. I guess you could say I am the luckiest person in the world because I go home everyday and love my job," Barlow said.

Hough said he was happy to help out.

"Just when you start feeling a little low, a kid walks out and gives you that motivation to know that what you are doing is worth it."