Homecoming ambassadors finds volunteering a way to come full circle
The fall rain couldn't keep Homecoming ambassadors or other mobile food pantry volunteers from serving the community on Saturday.
This year, a service project was added on to the usual Homecoming court competitions. The Homecoming court sat down with Kelly Schiess, chairwoman of the Homecoming committee, and went through a list of volunteer opportunities and decided on volunteering at the Community Compassion Network's Mobile Food Pantry.
"This opportunity (to volunteer) is very dear to my heart," said Grand Rapids senior Jamie Herrygers. "Because it is almost like I am coming full circle with this being my senior year and returning back to volunteer."
Although the event was moved from the Free Presbyterian Church, 1250 Watson Road, to the stationary food pantry on Broomfield Road due to rain, the pantry was an overall success.
"It's wonderful that we will have the opportunity to give back to the Mount Pleasant community as a group," Big Rapids senior Michelle Vanhala said. "I think that it went really well, all things considered. Everyone was great about adjusting, and had a great attitude despite the chilly rain."
Sterling Heights senior Rose Stokes said doing this service project is a great addition to the program and was excited to give back to the community.
"All (this) week is about representing Central, this is a great way to give back to the community," Stokes said.
For Otsego senior Justin Mendoza, volunteering made being on the homecoming court seem complete.
"We recognize that this week is all about Central, and this is just a good way to bring it back to doing something helpful," Mendoza said.
Craig Johnson reflected on his first volunteer opportunity with the mobile food pantry, and even though he had to depart from the pantry early the experience was a good one.
"(My) favorite part for me was interacting with the rest of the ambassadors," the Lake City senior said. "This is the first time a lot of us have gotten the opportunity to hang out with each other, so it was a good way to start off the week with everyone."
Vanhala didn't only serve her community, she also took away a little bit away from the service project.
"I loved seeing so many CMU students taking the time out of their Saturday to give back to others," Vanhala said. "It's amazing to think about all that we were able to accomplish together, and I'm so proud to call myself a Chippewa alongside so many other dedicated and caring students"
