Each October, students gather their trash bags, rakes, and gloves to give back to the Pittsburg community through service as part of Fall Into Service, a month-long initiative run by the Pittsburg State Student Government Association (SGA). This program combines hands-on service, fundraising, and competition, all while fostering stronger connections between students and the community.
Fall Into Service initially started as a way to help students get involved and give back to the community that has done so much for them, helping them grow closer during their time at Pitt. It has now become one of SGA’s signature projects, reaching out to hundreds of students. Last year, more than 400 students participated, making a large impact that was felt in the community and on campus.
“Participating in Fall Into Service and other similar events help students get involved not only on campus, but in the community, building connections with student organizations and local community organizations/businesses,” said Lily Corby, Director of Community Engagement for SGA. “In hopes that these connections are made and fostered by students and community members so they can have optimal resources for being successful at Pitt and after graduation.”
This October, students once again have many opportunities to choose from. The event kicks off with a month-long donation program for the Wesley House in the SGA office. Other events include volunteering at the Lord’s Diner, raising money for the Southeast Kansas (SEK) Humane Society through pie throwing, cleaning up the Home Depot and Marshall’s fields, making cards for the nursing homes, and so much more.
Each activity allows students and organizations to earn points. The more intensive the service, the more students can earn. For those who want to go above and beyond, Fall Into Service also offers opportunities that are not scheduled for specific times or locations. At any time throughout the month, students can write thank you cards to local businesses that provide student discounts. They can also complete their own acts of service and submit photo proof. All submissions are due by Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m.
This point system creates a healthy rivalry, with rewards for individual students or organizations. The large organization with the most points will earn a $1,000 donation to any charity of their choice. The top-earning small organization will win $600 for their selected charity. The top three highest earning students will receive prize baskets, which will be available for pick-up the week of Nov. 3-7.
Currently, sign-ups have decreased since last year, but that could also be a result of a new sign-up process. As of right now, around 150 students and 12 to 13 organizations have registered for Fall Into Service. However, SGA expects these numbers to increase as more students sign up through their organizations.
“I have changed the system that is used to track students who are participating,” Corby said. “There is more structure to the sign-up system this year as they must fill out a Gorilla Engage form and then attend an info session to participate. For organizations to sign up, only one or two members are required to come to an info session and then they can share the sign-up sheet with the rest of the org.”
This new process makes it easier for SGA to measure the program’s success. Last year, participation numbers were high, but having better tracking this year will allow SGA to better connect points earned with hours served and donations made. It also allows students to know exactly how to get involved so that no one is left out of this service initiative.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the heart of Fall Into Service and its commitment to giving back. It represents more than just a list of events, but as an opportunity for students to grow closer to a place they call home, while also lending a hand to those in need. With many events planned and prizes to be won, Fall Into Service promises to be another impactful year of connection.