Middle Georgia State University celebrates eighth annual Day of Service: ‘We’re here and you can depend on us’

WARNER ROBINS – Whether it was writing encouraging notes or helping build houses, Middle Georgia State University ventured out into the community to celebrate its eighth annual Day of Service on Friday, Sept. 26.

Day of Service is a tradition established at MGA where students, staff, athletic teams and faculty on all five campuses give back to their community. Campuses are located throughout middle Georgia, including Cochran, Macon, and Warner Robins. 

Devereaux Lindsey, Assistant Director for Student Engagement and Service, said that the school aims to provide a diverse range of service opportunities. Those interested pick an activity they are passionate about, and on the last Friday of September, they go out and serve their community. 

Various projects were offered throughout the campuses. One of those projects was Senior Smiles, where volunteers wrote encouraging notes for seniors in the community and created handwritten cards. Lindsey said it was very easy to set up and it gave students without transportation an opportunity to participate.

“Students who are artistic or students who just want to do something that can give back in a simple but meaningful way,” she said. 

Other volunteer activities included the Habitat for Humanity, where participants assisted with home construction and site projects. Also in Warner Robins, participants could volunteer at the Heart of Georgia Hospice by preparing items and encouragement cards for Children’s Grief Camps. 

Lindsey has seen the event grow over the years. The previous Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Jennifer Brandon, initiated the event, Lindsey mentioned. 

Brandon first spearheaded the project on her own, which limited her resources. Approximately two years ago, Lindsey took over and received additional support, which led to increased outreach and a broader range of service opportunities.

The university’s athletic teams have also started to participate in the event, Lindsey said. 

“Of course we have our individual students and staff and faculty but when the teams come together, they’re able to make a much bigger impact so I think it’s definitely grown that way,” she said. 

Lindsey has been fortunate to witness a persistent and great need in her role. Recently, the school learned about the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Although it was online, the experience was educational, and Lindsey learned that even when resources are available, access is often a problem. 

“If we can provide bodies just to move boxes or pack food then it really makes a difference in whether or not someone goes to bed hungry or whether or not someone can clothe their children. I think that’s really the main thing for me,” she said.

Lindsey believes it’s important that people know MGA is here for the community. She said it is not just an educational institution, but a neighbor. 

In her position, she has been fortunate to volunteer at various food banks, where she often hears the term “neighbor.” She has learned to appreciate the word because she thinks that is what MGA is. 

“It’s someone that you can depend on. When we send our students, our staff and our faculty out into the community, we’re saying ‘Hey, we’re here and you can depend on us,’” she said. 

Learn more about the university’s community outreach missions here.