I have always believed giving back is important. In high school, I would go on mission retreats with my church and volunteer a few times a year at the Ronald McDonald House. Living in such a beautiful town and being educated on such a gorgeous campus makes it easy to live in a blissful bubble. I know I am guilty of counting my blessings without remembering others are not as lucky. In college, I wanted to put others first and figure out how to organize my time second.
There are so many amazing organizations in Oxford and whatever your gifts are, there is a way you can use them for good. Here are just a few of the ways I found to give back to the Oxford community:
1. Leap Frog
Of course, I have to start with Leap Frog because it is so close to my heart. Leap Frog is an after-school program for students in first through third grades who have been referred to as falling behind or at-risk by their teachers. Volunteers can either be trained to be a tutor and help the children learn to read or play with the students. This is a great way to give back if you love kids and you are looking for a program to invest your time in weekly!
More than A Meal meets every Tuesday when Oxford Public schools are in session. Volunteers “serve the people of Oxford with good food, encouragement, and a sense of community.” Freshman Gwen Gagnon volunteered at More than a meal during her first semester and said her favorite part was “how grateful the community is with the small necessities [MTAM] is able to provide them with and to see the happiness it brings them.”
Oxford Health and Rehab is a nursing home striving to provide care for their residents and to help them live their individual lifestyles. As a volunteer, you can visit residents or even “adopt” a resident who does not have a family member who consistently visits them. Freshman Hailey Rikard has been volunteering with Oxford Health and Rehab and says she loves it. “The nursing home had a program where I was able to give these residents presents,” she said. “The two residents I adopted were so precious.” If you love good conversation and making people feel special, this is a great way to give back.
4. RebelTHON
If you excel at fundraising and dance parties, RebelTHON is for you! As a participant of RebelTHON, students fundraise for Batson Hospital and participate in an all-night dance-a-thon “FTK” or “for the kids.” Batson Hospital [CC3] is the only pediatric intensive care unit in the state and has the only pediatric treatment programs for cancer, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, congenital heart defects and more. Last year, Ole Miss students raised $172,169.22 for Batson.
Hailey Cooper, the president of this year’s RebelTHON, loves positively impacting her community. “Instead of feeling helpless when I see people suffering, there is actually something that I can do,” she said. “Collectively, we make a massive impact.” You can learn more about RebelTHON and donate to Hailey’s page.
You have probably heard of the BIG EVENT because it is one of the most inspiring days of the year for Ole Miss students. Volunteers do everything from painting to organizing to yardwork and more. If you want to be a part of something greater than yourself, mark your calendar for this year’s BIG EVENT.
All of these organizations are making a huge impact and they could not do it without the students, so get out there and giveback! You will likely find that you are making an impact and being impacted at the same time.