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Volume 40, Issue 5
October 29, 2002
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Community service essence of 'Into the Streets'
By Dan Smith
Mesa Legend
On Oct. 19, while many college students lay crusty-eyed and sleeping,
typical of most Saturday mornings, 150 MCC students and community members
got themselves out of their beds and "Into the Streets" as part
of a national day of community service.
"Into the Streets" is a national day of community-driven action
described by Service Commissioner Becca Brown to be a day that, "Every
school has an opportunity to celebrate in their own way."
Brown is enthusiastic about the program stating, "I love being involved,
I love service, I love volunteer work."
MCC acknowledged the day by assisting an abused children organization
called Parents Anonymous, providing service to the city of Mesa and also
working at T.J. Pappas Elementary, a school for homeless children.
Participants were eager to get working as they put on their t-shirts displaying
the statement "got service," and were treated to a free breakfast
before they began.
The volunteers split up into four different groups, each with a different
goal throughout the day.
Down in the Kiva Room hay bails became scarecrow flesh and yards of string
became giant spider webs as the volunteers created decorations for an
abused and neglected children's group home.
"Whenever you see the look on the face of somebody that you helped
it makes you feel good about yourself, ten times better, its good not
to be selfish once in a while." said Chenel Branham.
Some volunteers were at the Exxon on Southern and Dobson wielding hoses,
sponges and towels, all poised to wash cars in order to raise money for
Parents Anonymous.
Students holding signs reading "abused children car wash," on
the corner of the streets had to rush into the parking lot to help out
with the washing while numerous cars containing eager customers pulled
in.
To help free up city workers, some volunteers visited Monterey Park to
help repaint a fence in need of attention.
"Community service is an integral part of a good education,"
said Bonnie Capen, an MCC volunteer at the Monterey site.
At the school for homeless children, participants helped organize classrooms,
sort through children's clothing and set up hygiene bags for students.
"This is a place to really dig in, when you're trying to make a difference,"
said Spencer Lee about the T.J. Pappas school, Lee went on to say, "
While I was there I just got the feeling that there is so much more we
all can do."
"I came here because I like to help people out, and if I have fun
doing it, that is just one of the fringe benefits," said Brandon
Wagner.
The spring semester will offer another opportunity for students and community
members to offer their volunteer services.
For more information on the next Into the Streets, contact the ASMCC in
the Kirk Center at (480) 461-7278.
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