Students from Stephen F. Austin State University joined up with Lamar University student engagement in Port Arthur, Saturday, in a joint effort to clean up the homes affected by Hurricane Harvey.
The SFA students are part of the school’s Freshman Academy program.
“I think it is really cool to be able to give service,” Shelby Hearn, SFA junior student coordinator, said. “It is really important to come together as a community and give back, because no matter what school you go to, at the end of the day there are people who need our help.”
Lamar University student engagement coordinated the day of service with Habitat for Humanity, bringing 85 college students together to assist the community.
“We get caught up in intercollegiate competition, but we’re all a community that is a part of Texas,” Dillon Nicholson, LU Student Government Association president, said. “It’s awesome to see them come out and help us. We really appreciate it and I know the community will also.”
Nicholson said there is only so much that students can do compared to what bigger organizations and federal funding can provide.
“At the end of the day, we’re taking up a weekend that we could be using for ourselves to go out and give back,” he said. “At the very least, I think this effort is showing our community that we care.”
SFA freshman Garrett Cowey said he watched Harvey take its toll on Texas the week he moved into college.
“I felt very helpless about not being able to do something, so getting to work in the houses and be hands on to help out those hurt by the storm feels really good,” he said.
Students worked from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., pulling sheetrock, insulation, flooring and personal belongings.
“It’s very personal when you take out someone’s Christmas decorations and have to set them on the curb, but that’s what going on here and this is the stuff that has to go,” Cowey said.
Kaily Garcia, Lamar University SGA member, said that she feels she ought to help those in need.
“I know that a lot of college students use their Saturdays to do homework, but why not do work that has a more immediate impact in helping others,” she said. “Plus, it’s cool to see all of us interact together, trying to help out our state.”
Hearn said she encourages everyone to give back to their community.
“Even if it’s the smallest gesture, it’s going to be appreciated,” she said. “People should spend their time giving back to the community, because it has a greater impact on yourself than you think.”
Photos: (First photo) Donzell Wilford, Ft. Hood Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate, drives the wheelborrow to haul depree out of a home in Port Arthur.
(Second photo) Kaily Garcia, Beaumont sophomore, tosses doorframe scraps into a trash pile outside of a Port Arthur resident's home. Garcia is a member of Lamar University Student Government Association and is using her free time to help the affected community.
Article published by University Press on Sept. 28, 2017.
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