MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed), Classrooms and offices at Meridian Community College sat quieter than usual Tuesday morning as hundreds of students, faculty and staff headed out across Meridian and Lauderdale County to serve local organizations.
The effort was part of My College Cares, the college’s annual day of service. From 8 a.m. to noon, volunteer teams worked at 38 locations throughout the community.
Volunteers Tackle a Wide Range of Projects
Teams picked up trash, sorted donated clothing, gathered first aid supplies, landscaped, painted and organized. Some volunteers also visited local nursing homes, where they entertained residents with music.
Ellie Winter Williams, MCC’s interim director of housing and student activities, said the day gives the college a chance to make a visible difference. It also helps students build a deeper connection to the place they call home.
“Each year, My College Cares gives our students and employees the chance to put service into action,” Williams said. “It is a day when we can come together as a College, meet real needs, and show our students that even a few hours of their time can have a lasting impact.”
Students Choose Where They Serve
Before the event, each participant picked a team and service location from the available projects. Organizers shared details about the work planned at each site, so volunteers could find an opportunity that fit their interests and abilities.
In past years, My College Cares volunteers have handled beautification and cleanup efforts, worked with children and spent time with residents at senior living communities.
Impact Reaches Beyond the Work
According to Williams, the value of the day goes beyond finishing a project.
“Service puts students in places where they can meet people they may not otherwise meet and learn more about the community around them,” she said. “That experience can be just as meaningful as the work itself.”
MCC holds My College Cares every October. The event reflects the college’s longstanding focus on service and community involvement. It also connects students and employees with organizations doing important work throughout Lauderdale County.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/mycollegecares.
