Etched in Stone

With the school year coming into its last quarter, many students are facing their deadline for club and honor society hours. Most clubs and honor societies require students to log inside and outside volunteer hours in order to be in ‘good standing’ or to letter. There are many different places to volunteer for outside hours, and five Fossil students have shared their favorite places to volunteer. Their volunteer work not only helps them accomplish their goals within the clubs and honor societies, but also has a lasting impact on the volunteer organizations.

Tying the fleece blankets, Reese Morgan and Makena Phillips work together to donate blankets to the Children’s Hospital Colorado. (Nadia Anderson)

Reese Morgan: Fleece Blankets

In her third year of Key Club, Reese Morgan has found many creative ways to get her hours in. Busy with soccer, school, and other activities, Morgan needed an option that was flexible to her schedule. She found that making fleece blankets was a fun, easy, and impactful way to do service for her community, and log her hours.

“I like making the tie blankets because they are easy and fun to do with friends,” Morgan said. “I donate the blankets my friends and I make to the Children’s Hospital.”

Dropping off the blankets at the Children’s Hospital is simple, with a drop-off bin inside the facility.

Fleece blankets can also be donated to Larimer and Weld County Humane Societies for animal usage. Scraps from the blankets can also be turned into chew toys to help with sustainability and create a better environment for the animals. A donation bin is located within the facility for drop off.

“They[fleece blankets] are our most prized donation for so many reasons. They provide countless hours of comfort to the patients not only while they are hospitalized but long after they have returned to their homes,” said Association of Volunteer Director at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Kathleen McBride. “Not only are the blankets a source of comfort but the patients enjoy selecting their favorite pattern. Lastly, the blankets are a safe gift for our youngest patients who are younger than the age of one.”

The Fort Collins Bike Co-op, formerly known as the Bike Against Collective, was founded in 2003 in a garage, and has since partnered with the city of Fort Collins and Bike Fort Collins to become a successful co-op program that keeps thousands of bikes out of the landfill. (Fort Collins Bike Co-op)

River Carson: Fort Collins Bike Co-op

River Carson is in three different honor societies and clubs, and his favorite place to volunteer to get his hours is the Fort Collins Bike Co-op. He usually goes every other week with a three to four hour shift, where he takes apart and recycles bikes.

“It helps to further my understanding of bikes, also it's just a fun activity to do with friends,” Carson said. “It’s an easy way to get hours if that’s all you need, but more importantly it's just fun overall.”

There is no application or sign-up page for shifts, just simply show up in order to volunteer.

NOCO Humane Society, formerly known as Larimer Humane Society, has locations in the Larimer Campus in Loveland and the Weld Campus in Evans. (NOCO Humane Society)

Emerson Ross: NOCO Humane Society

Trying to complete hours for three different honor societies, Emerson Ross has found that walking dogs at the Northern Colorado (NOCO) Humane Society is a fun way to get his volunteering in. He initially had to get training to recognize different dog behaviors and the correct response to make them feel safe, and now volunteers there once or twice every weekend.

“They have a board there with all the dogs and how many times they have been walked. You pick a dog, go to their kennel, and take them for a walk outside,” Ross said. “I like meeting, bonding with, and helping all the different dogs.”

Volunteering at the NOCO Humane Society is a six month commitment with a minimum of two hours of service per week. There is a mandatory orientation, interview, and training in order to start volunteering as well.

“Student volunteers play a vital role in supporting the mission of NOCO Humane. Their presence not only improves the quality of life for the shelter animals but also helps build a more compassionate and engaged community,” said Volunteer and Human Education Manager Clara Taylor. “In turn, students gain valuable experience, develop empathy, and often find inspiration for future careers or lifelong commitments to animal advocacy.”

The Food Bank for Larimer County was first founded in 1984 and distributes up to 10 million meals a year. (Food Bank for Larimer County)

Nick Machado: Food Bank for Larimer County

In Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, and Computer Science Honor Society, Nick Machado loves to volunteer at the Larimer County Food bank to get some hours. He usually goes once or twice a month with his friends.

“I either hand out food or organize food into containers for about two and a half hours per shift,” Machado said. “I like to volunteer there to help those in need.”

Volunteering at the Food Bank for Larimer County requires a volunteer application and you must be 16 years of age to attend without a guardian present. Through this an account is created to help log volunteer hours and sign up for shifts.

Good Samaritan Society-Fort Collins Village is a senior housing center committed to ensuring a quality level of service and compassion for their residents. (Good Samaritan Society)

Makena Phillips: Good Samaritan Society

Part of school honor societies and an outside of school volunteer group, Makena Phillips loves to volunteer at Good Samaritan on Sunday mornings. She especially likes volunteering around the holidays and helps make decorations for the rooms and halls.

“I help take the residents to church and then take them to lunch when they are done. After that I will do any tasks that they need help with. In the past I’ve done one-on-ones with residents that don’t leave their rooms,” Phillips said. “I live giving back to the community and helping people that need it.”

To volunteer at the Good Samaritan, volunteers must complete a background check, fill out an application, and attend an orientation. Students can also volunteer here through volunteer organizations such as Young Men’s Service League, National Charity League, and Global Leaders.

“Volunteering with seniors is more than just giving your time--it’s about building meaningful connections. For residents, it brings joy, companionship, and a sense of being seen and valued,” said Activities Manager at Good Samaritan Society Fort Collins Village, Riley Scott-Stringfellow. “Every shared story and smile helps bridge generations and create a stronger, more passionate community.”

For more information about volunteering here, reach out to Riley Scott-Stringfellow at, [email protected].

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Students share their favorite volunteer spots to get hours for honor societies and clubs