Special to The Star



What began as a class project at Meridian Community College has become an opportunity to help others in need – in their own backyard.

“We had just finished a section on poverty in the United States and talked about the economic plight of many residences in our county,” said Diann Sollie, chairperson of the social science division at MCC. “We discussed median incomes, poverty rates in the class.”

And like many brainstorming sessions, one idea led to another. “From that we decided to begin a canned food drive to donate to a local non-profit (organization),” she said. Since helping others can be contagious, others in Sollie’s division, including instructors Kim Coward, Dr. Jeannette Murphey, Suzie Gibson and Susan James joined in.

“The food began to roll in massive amounts,” Sollie said. So much that more than 40 boxes of food were collected.

That’s when it was decided that helping others at the College who are suffering from economic distress would be a good way to lend a helping hand. Brenda Fortson, single parent/displaced homemaker coordinator, identified students who were in need. “We immediately delivered eight boxes that were given out before Thanksgiving,” Sollie said.

More brainstorm sessions resulted and the yield of the fruits of that labor: The establishment of a food pantry.

Students from Sollie’s sociology class volunteered and set up the pantry. A food drive will be scheduled each semester to keep the pantry stocked. “Students who need assistance with food will need to go through the Displaced Homemakers Program,” Sollie said.

The can-do attitude reaches to others at the College in this season of goodwill. Michele Smith, chairperson of the division of wellness and fitness, said first aid classes and personal and community health classes collected canned goods for LOVE’s Kitchen, a local non-profit organization that feeds the hungry. “This was a great way for students to get involved in our community and to help others. We are so very proud of our students. The students also enjoyed the experience of delivering the items as well,” Smith said.

Giving also extends beyond classroom walls. The Student Success Division, which provides both one-on-one and computer aided tutorial services for MCC students, noted there are people who live in “quiet desperation.”

“They are all around us, even in our classroom,” said Cathy Webb, chairperson of the student success division. After consulting with Fortson to help chose an individual for the division to “adopt,” the division is also pitching in with the Academic Affairs division to sponsor the individual and her family. “Together we are buying clothes and food and providing gift cards,” Webb said.

“I am proud that the faculty of MCC always steps up to the bat where our students are concerned,” she said. “As a former National Teacher of the Year once said, ‘students won’t care what you know unless they know you care.’”

The math and science department also “adopted” a grandmother who is rearing five boys. “We’ll provide their Christmas presents this year,” said Cathy Parker, math instructor. Even campus organizations, such as Wesley Campus Ministries, collected 89 simple shoebox gifts for the Operation Christmas Child in which other campus organizations and educational programs created.

“It is not unusual to see MCC students and faculty and staff participating in community service activities or making donations to the community,” said Barbara Jones, vice president of operations.

Department chairs, deans, and faculty and staff have all adopted families to provide Christmas presents and meals for the needy this Christmas. “Those that are listed in this article only scratch the surface of what MCC does to help others during the holiday season,” Jones said.

She added: “In fact, our mission statement reflects this by stating that we are ‘dedicated to improving the quality of life in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, and surrounding areas.’”

It’s been said that it’s important to give it all when you have the chance. After all, life is a gift and an opportunity to share with others. Just like the students, faculty and staff members at MCC do not give just during the holidays but every day.



This article was submitted by Meridian Community College.