HILLSBORO, Kan. – The Tabor College class of 2020 started their year providing a little extra help to community businesses this week. Between moving into dorms, registering for the fall semester and getting to know campus, the new students painted, cleaned, sorted and picked up trash for local places in need of a few extra hands.
Students worked at 12 locations around the area including USD 410, Parkside Homes, Marion Reservoir and Hillsboro Housing Authority.
“Service is something that is at Tabor’s core,” Jim Paulus vice president for student life said. “We list service in our mission statement and it is something students, faculty and staff take seriously as part of our calling.”
Projects are chosen based on number of students and type of work available at different locations.
Karen Sites director of Main Street Ministries in Hillsboro was thrilled with the work the students were able to accomplish in a short amount of time.
“It means the world to us to have young people come to volunteer,” Sites said. “They painted fences, worked in our children’s play room and helped complete projects that had piled up. We struggle to get volunteers and their participation filled a real need for our facility.”
The day of service has been part of Tabor’s welcome week since the early 90’s and has had different formats over time. This year the locations were expanded outside of Marion County to include Mennonite Central Committee in North Newton and the Et Cetera Shop in Newton.
“On the first day of college, which is traditionally the day you begin to prepare for a successful life, we like students to begin this journey thinking about someone else in the community,” Paulus said. “Not only is this a great way to show the communities that we care, but the group activities help students get to know each other before the pressures of academics and athletics are in full swing.”
Although the projects may change from year to year, the goal is still the same. Tabor wants its students to be a part of their community and learn what it is to give back.
To be included in the next round of projects, contact the student life office at studentlife@tabor.edu.
Photo Credit: Courtney Schmidt/Tabor College