Students volunteered at the Lord’s Diner on Thursday, Oct. 23, as part of the Student Government Association’s “Fall into Service.” Nine students came out to serve that afternoon.
“SGA organized this event as part of Fall into Service to help support and give back to the Pittsburg community,” Lily Corby, a sophomore majoring in nursing and director of community engagement with SGA said. “The Lord’s Diner does so much outreach and service that it is crucial for us as students and organizations to support them in any way possible.”
Many students came to this event with an organization, competing in Fall into Service. The organizations get points for their students who participate.
“I went to this event to support local organizations that give back to our community,” Allison Krafft, a junior majoring in elementary and special education, as well as minoring in psychology said. “I am competing in Fall into Service under my sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. This event is important to me because I have a huge passion for service and love to give back whenever and wherever I can! Alpha Gamma Delta’s philanthropy is Fighting Hunger, so serving with an organization whose also supports this mission makes it an exceptionally meaningful experience.”
Homer O’Ferrell, a sophomore minoring in psychology in developmental disabilities, enjoys serving others, especially in smaller ways. He is representing Pi Kappa Alpha for Fall into Service.
“It matters to me because I enjoy knowing I can help and provide for others, and it doesn’t have to be in a big, flashy way,” O’Ferrell said. “It is just nice to know I’m doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.”
Other students enjoy service but have a different view and reason for appreciating it.
“Community Service matters to me as it is a way to give back to the community that serves me as a student,” Corby said. “Pittsburg as a town is so closely integrated with the University that exchanging services, volunteering, and staying in tune with the needs of the community and being able to serve them helps me know I am making a difference and supporting local businesses and organizations that in turn serve the larger community of Southeast Kansas or even the nation.”
Serving at the Lord’s Diner and other ways of volunteering are ways to give back to the community, which Krafft said she is passionate about.
“Service is something so close to my heart and something I have always loved doing,” Krafft said. “I find it so important to give back to the community and love being able to share this passion with those around me.”
O’Ferrell also has a view of serving specifically at the Lord’s Diner.
“Lord’s Diner provides me a place to help and do something bigger than myself,” O’Ferrell said.
Through Fall into Service, students have volunteered in many ways around the community, including cleaning up the parking lot near the Home Depot and Salvation Army.
“I would like the Pittsburg community to know that they can reach out to SGA or the university at any time if they’re looking for volunteers or assistance and there will always be students who are ready and happy to help,” Corby said.