Written By: Samantha Burgess
Staff Writer
“Some may see Service Day as time off for homework,” said senior psychology major Mariah Goodwin. “But helping others is worth it. God blesses the people who do His work.”
Service Day will be on March 30, 2017. Students can have a freshly made breakfast at 7:30 a.m. followed by games, giveaways, and worship. This will end at 9:00 a.m. and students will gather with their respective service groups.
The service projects will include non-profits, residents and churches in Rhea Co. as well as those in areas like Chattanooga and Knoxville.
Chatoya Hickman, a junior psychology major, is leading the service project for the We Care Center in Dayton. The We Care Center is a non-profit organization that provides discounted items for people in need. Students working on this project will be organizing clothes and cleaning the store.
“Service Day is important because it allows us to exemplify Christ through serving others. It’s a great feeling to be able to show kindness and help others,” said Hickman.
Sophomores Emily Webber and Timothy Hostetler will be leading the service project for the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home in Chattanooga. The children’s home has a vision to be a ministry for children and families that guides them towards Christ. Students helping with this project will be working on landscaping and painting.
“I think it’s so important for students to be involved in service continually and Service Day is a fantastic way to begin that lifestyle,” said political communication major Webber.
Hostetler, a Christian ministry and management double major, added, “It is a great chance to practically serve others with the motivation of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ!”
Dr. Andrew Randle, professor of Christian ministry, is leading a service project where students will go to several churches in the community to pray for them and give them encouragement.
“Service Day is important because it gives faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” said Randle.
Service Day signups will be in the cafeteria from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. until the day of. Students can also sign up here.
Service projects such as residents Dianna Johnson, Claude and Betty Pendergrass, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Creamer, and nonprofits Our Daily Bread, YMCA, Safe Haven Homeless Shelter, and First Christian Community Church are still in need of volunteers. For more information email Mariah Goodwin, who is in charge of Service Day.
Bio
Campus correspondent Samantha Burgess is a freshman majoring in communication. Burgess is actively involved in PCI. She writes Triangle articles on a variety of topics including campus life and current events. When she’s not doing homework, Burgess can often be found curled up with a good book, writing, listening to music or watching TV.
