Midland College student, employee groups give back to communityDecember 12, 2022

Midland College MC) student and employee groups are always mindful of social service needs in the Permian Basin, and they donate time and money throughout the year with local nonprofit agencies.  Each year, employees participate in an auction for United Way of Midland and both student and employee groups donate time to West Texas Food Bank, Crisis Center of West Texas and Midland Fair Havens, just to name a few.  During this Holiday Season, several MC groups provided assistance to local organizations.

The Midland College Chapter of the National Student Nurses Association conducted a clothing drive for patients of the Big Spring State Hospital.  Donated items included warm coats, shoes and clothing.  Students participating in the MC National Student Nurses Association are enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program and are training to become Registered Nurses (RNs).

Before graduating last week, fourth-semester Associate Degree Nursing students donated used and new items to the “Warming Tree” project sponsored by Senior Life Midland.  

“The students came up with this project on their own, and I’m very proud of them.” Dr. Denise Ross, Associate Degree Nursing professor, said. “A pair of slippers, a lap blanket, gloves, etc., really can make a difference for an elderly person.”

As part of the Legacy Scholars Program, students complete at least 40 hours of volunteer work in their first year at MC.  Although students often volunteer alone, this fall, several students participated in group activities so that they could see the power of working together as a team to support area nonprofit organizations.  Students chose the organizations and causes and then led the charge to gather items and/or sign up for specific events:

• Christmas Toy Drive for AT&T Pioneers - Students collected four large boxes for a variety of ages.
• Breaking Bread Kitchen – A small group of Legacy Scholars prepared and served food on Friday, November 11.
• Safe Place of the Permian Basin – Legacy Scholarship students contributed small toys, shampoo, baby wipes, children’s books and comfort blankets to support clients with a focus on children ages 0-4.
• Sharing Hands – Some of the Legacy Scholars volunteered for the clay shoot fundraiser in November.

“We’re really excited to keep this momentum going in the spring so that students are working on their volunteer requirements in ways that are fulfilling and fun.” Megan Brincks, Legacy Scholar Program director, said.

Finally, Jeff McDonald, MC web editor, and his wife Rita become known as “Santa and Mrs. Claus” during the College’s Holiday Evening event, which was held on December 1 this year.  In addition to the Holiday Evening gig, McDonald volunteers as Santa at other community events throughout the season.  He visits children at MC’s Pre-Kindergarten Academy, the MC Helen Greathouse Children’s Center, the Rape Crisis & Children’s Advocacy Center, Midland Hispanic Cultural Center, Friendship House of Midland, and he volunteers as a bell ringer for Salvation Army kettles.

Photo:  MC Web Editor Jeff McDonald portrays Santa as he volunteers throughout the community.