OPSU HALO Volunteers in Guymon during National Volunteer Month

Panhandle State Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) Members participated in several events during National Volunteer Month. On April 4th, four HALO students volunteered at Guymon High School during their Reality check program. This program is a hands-on learning activity where high school seniors learn the realities of life. HALO students were assigned to the furniture booth, where the high school students learned about new and used furniture prices. The day also included learning how to open bank accounts, manage money, pay bills, and save for emergencies.

On Saturday, April 9th, volunteers participated in the Annual Community Clean-Up in Guymon. HALO members and two community volunteers cleaned the railroad tracks near NE 2nd St. and Main St., the area between O’Reilly Auto Parts and the old carwash on Highway 412, and the lot in front of Family Dollar. The students and the two community volunteers filled up 42 big trash bags this morning. HALO students have participated in the Annual Community Clean-Up for over ten years.

“The OPSU HALO members that volunteered with the Guymon Clean-Up are appreciated. They should be proud of the work they did that added to the more than 400 hours of volunteers working to pick up trash and do other clean up in Guymon. Every bit we do, helps make our community a better place to live, work, and play,” said Main Street Guymon Director Melyn Johnson.

HALO Advisor Kim Smith stated, “I am inspired by the student-led initiatives to give back to their community throughout the entire year. This organization is a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn skills that will serve them well wherever they choose to go next.”

Later this month, on April 30th, HALO students will be working with the Guymon Public Library to celebrate El Día de los Niño “Children’s Day”. At this event, HALO students will read books in English and Spanish and work on crafts with children. This program intends to promote literacy by linking language and literacy. All children are welcome to attend.

HALO Public Relations Officer Manuel Medina commented, “Community service is a great way to give back to this great community. I love working with the HALO officers and members to find ways to give back. I am excited to finish off the semester strong with the many projects and fundraisers we have planned for April.”

HALO members are always busy serving their campus and the surrounding community by working on various projects and events. These are just a few community service projects that HALO members volunteer with and put on over the school year. Follow their Instagram @OPSU_HALO to see more of what they do.

HALO will be hosting a Taco Sale on April 27th in the University Plaza. Proceeds from the taco sale will help send a group of HALO students to the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE).