Inauguration Week offers opportunities to serve community

The words "meaningful service" are ingrained in the mission statement of Campbell University, and service will play a big role in the Inauguration Week festivities of Campbell's sixth president, Dr. William M. Downs.

On the eve of Downs' Investiture Ceremony, the University will celebrate a Day of Campbell and Community Service, with several opportunities for students, faculty, staff and alumni to volunteer for various nonprofit organizations and events in Harnett County. A majority of the events are scheduled for March 26, with other opportunities available earlier in the week and throughout the semester.

Blood drives, supply drives, work with senior citizens, clean-ups and partnerships with local organizations will be among the service projects scheduled for the week, according to Rev. Morgan Pajak, associate campus minister and director of community engagement at Campbell.

"As we were planning the day and the week, we wanted to focus on the local organizations that we work with already and acknowledge the gift of Campbell being placed in Harnett County," Pajak said. "I am grateful that service is not only a pillar of Campbell University, but also in the heart of Dr. Downs."

Those interested in taking part can learn more about the various events at https://campbell.galaxydigital.com/.

Events on March 26

• North Campus Neighborhood Clean-Up: Join Jennifer Seagraves, instructional pedagogy and curriculum materials librarian for Wiggins Memorial Library, in an effort to clean Campbell's north campus from 9 to 10 a.m. Clean up will begin at Saylor Park near the firepit. Supplies will be provided. Email [email protected]to learn more.
• American Red Cross Blood Drive: Every two seconds, someone in the United Stated needs blood, as roughly 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day. Sign up to donate bloodto the American Red Cross on the second floor of the Oscar N. Harris Student Union from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Boys & Girls Club Letters for Students: Help write letters to students who are a part of the Boys & Girls Club. A note of encouragement, advice or even a drawing can go a long way in making a child smile. The second floor of the Student Union will host this opportunity from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Project Not Forgotten - Senior Adult Cards: Project Not Forgotten seeks to better the lives of nursing home patients who have been removed from frequent contact with the outside world. They want to improve the quality of their lives with God's love and seasonal deliveries. Help brighten their days through writing notes of encouragement and cards. Available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Union.
• Church Yard Clean Out: Help Buies Creek First Baptist Church clean out their spaces with light moving, organization and cleaning. Contact Gina Smithto learn more. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Career Closet Donations: The Career Closet would greatly appreciate any and all professional clothing donations. The biggest need is for women's clothing of all sizes and men's options for sizes 3XL and 4XL and shoes of all sizes. Gift cards for clothing stores also accepted. Drop clothes and cards off at the Student Union on the second floor between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Education Encouragement: Students will write uplifting messages for fellow students to read. Students will also write down an educational goal and keep that written goal for themselves. Donations to Lillington Shawtown Elementary to help foster a better Campbell-Harnett County connection will also be accepted. Hosted by Delta Phi Epsilon at the Student Union between 3 and 5 p.m.
• Cultivate Learning Garden in Durham: Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is a North Carolina based non-profit organization, and a Feeding America Network partner. Their Learning Gardens fall under their "GROW" initiative, helping to combat food insecurity by bringing neighbors together to promote local food production. Sign up to cultivate their Geer Street Learning Gardenin Durham between 9 a.m. and noon on March 26 (opportunities open for other dates as well).
• Native Plant Garden Creation in Coats: Students will help plant a small native plant bed in key areas of the park (454 Park Lane, Coats) to enhance beautification, support pollinators, and reduce long-term maintenance needs. They will also learn about how native plants benefit local wildlife and habitats. Runs from 11 a.m. to noon.
• Bluebird House Installation in Coats: Volunteers will help install bluebird houses and feeders along the park trail at 454 Park Lane in Coats, creating new homes for native birds and supporting local conservation. Runs from 2 to 3 p.m. Contact Sarah Goldsmithto learn more.

Learn more about opportunities to serve with Campbell University throughout the spring at https://campbell.galaxydigital.com/.