MCC’s My College Cares Day Unites 600 Volunteers for Community Service

Nearly 600 students, faculty, and staff from Meridian Community College (MCC) participated in the annual My College Cares Day on October 8, 2025, dedicating their time to various community service projects across the region. This initiative aims to foster a spirit of volunteerism and community engagement among the college’s members.

Marion Whiting, director of housing and student activities and chair of the My College Cares Committee, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “This day is one of the most meaningful things we do at MCC. It’s more than a tradition; it’s part of who we are. Every year, our Eagles volunteer to meet needs, and it’s powerful.”

Broad Participation Across the Community

This year, volunteers engaged in service at more than 45 community sites throughout Meridian and Lauderdale County. From painting murals and planting gardens to performing for nursing home residents, the efforts of the MCC community made a notable impact.

At the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum, students from MCC’s Precision Machining Engineering Technology program focused on cleanup efforts around the Soulé Steam Feed Works. At The Carter Foundation, volunteers decorated for Halloween, while others contributed to a mural project at Meridian High School.

Additionally, volunteers participated in numerous activities including cleaning, organizing, litter pickup, tree trimming, reading to children, and assisting with special events. These contributions were invaluable to local organizations. St. Patrick Catholic School Principal Rob Calcote noted, “It would take us a day to do what they can do in about an hour. With limited staff, their helping hands mean a lot.”

Personal Impact and New Partnerships

For many students, the day provided a transformative experience. Bethany Hughes, a first-year student in the Dental Hygiene Program, shared her thoughts, stating, “Being in a health program, they want you to come out in the community to show you care. I’ve really enjoyed it, and I’ll probably do more on my own time.”

This year marked the first participation of AccentCare, a hospice and palliative care provider, in My College Cares Day. Volunteer services coordinator McKayla Bedwell expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We absolutely love having volunteers. We will definitely continue to do this for sure.”

Whiting summarized the day’s impact by saying, “My College Cares is such an important day because you know there are needs, but sometimes it can feel too large to tackle. Through this day, we can make a difference through small acts in just a day’s work.”

For further information about Meridian Community College and its initiatives, visit meridiancc.edu.