Mercer University’s student-led service program, MerServe, is hosting their annual Spring Break for Service event for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The program runs during the week of spring break from March 6-9.
Spring Break for Service takes advantage of the break to offer student volunteering opportunities in Macon while assisting the community.
“We really want to bridge the gap between Mercer students and the community because we believe it is so important to give back to the community,” Special Service Coordinator for MerServe Drew Boyett said. ”The community does so much for us.”
Boyett is a strong advocate of community service and its widespread impact.
“Doing community service has not only helped me get the hours that I would need to graduate," Boyett said. "It’s helped me to grow as a person and helped me to realize how much these organizations are doing, not only for the people a part of them, but for the Macon community as a whole, making it a better environment for all of us to live in."
During Spring Break for Service, students will be partnering with three community service partners located in Macon: Brookdale Resource Center, Rescue Mission and U Create Macon.
Brookdale Resource Center, which is located in a former elementary school, provides meals, beds and hospitality for those in need. Mercer students will be helping out at Brookdale by serving food, organizing donations and making beds for incoming families.
Rescue Mission is an organization that aids those suffering from addiction, homelessness or domestic violence and participates in community outreach. At Rescue Mission, students will help out at one of Rescue Mission’s thrift stores, arranging clothes and donations as well as performing various other tasks as needed.
U Create Macon is a free program that hosts several events and programs to provide children in Macon a place to explore, learn and have fun. U Create Macon aims to guide kids and help them shape their youth through new and exciting experiences. Mercer students will be working with kids as they participate in the several programs U Create Macon offers.
Students who are interested in participating can sign up through the link in MerServe's Instagram bio.
The application requires a $10 deposit that will be refunded in full after completing the program. Deposits are accepted in cash only and are to be submitted to Mercer’s Campus Life. Students can contact Lauren Shinholster if the deposit creates any financial conflicts. Students taking part in the program are to remain on campus, and all meals will be provided by MerServe.
