LV | YMF Magical forest 2018

Author: Iani Batilov

This past December 15th, more than 15 volunteers from both ASCE YMF and the UNLV Student Chapter came out to support and volunteer at the annual Magical Forest event organized by Opportunity Village, the not-for-profit organization serving to enhance the lives of adults in the Southern Nevada community with intellectual disabilities. Magical Forest is a winter wonderland organized for the community that boasts millions of sparkling lights, nightly entertainment, amusement rides, great food, and endless holiday cheer. 

Saturday nights are among the busiest times for Magical Forest and the organizers needed all the help they could get! After checking-in and receiving their assignments, our volunteers participated in various roles. Some volunteers were stationed at the entrance as greeters, answering questions and directing visitors to the ticketing and check-in lines, while others manned a concession stand serving up hot funnel cakes all evening. The volunteers also helped in the souvenir and candy shop, and some worked at both the carousel and polar express train rides. 

​We were lucky enough to have two volunteers stationed with Santa Claus himself in his workshop, helping direct the families that came to take pictures and recite wish lists with the jolly Father Christmas. It was a chilly and long evening, but all our volunteers worked hard, adorned in their holiday vests and beaming with festive spirit and willingness to serve the guests. At the end of the night, many got to try the rides or sample the funnel cakes, and each volunteer walked away with two free tickets to attend the Magical Forest with their loved ones.

Special thanks to the ASCE YMF members, ASCE Student Chapter members, and employees of local civil firms for sacrificing their Saturday night to participate in the Community Outreach Event!  Your help is much appreciated, and we hope to see you again at next year’s Magical Forest!  Happy Holidays!