Nearly 600 Volunteers Transform Meridian Community on My College Cares Day

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 day to community service across the Meridian and Lauderdale County areas. This initiative encourages participants to leave their classrooms behind and engage in hands-on efforts that benefit local organizations and residents.

Marion Whiting, the director of housing and student activities and chair of the My College Cares Committee, highlighted the significance of this event. “This day is one of the most meaningful things we do at MCC,” she stated. “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.”

Throughout the day, volunteers contributed to more than 45 community projects, which included activities such as painting murals, planting gardens, and entertaining residents at local nursing homes. At the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum, students from the Precision Machining Engineering Technology program took part in a cleanup around the historic Soulé Steam Feed Works.

At The Carter Foundation, others decorated for Halloween, while a group of volunteers painted a mural at Meridian High School. MCC students and employees also engaged in various tasks, including litter collection, tree trimming, and reading to children.

Community partners expressed their gratitude for the support. “It would take us a day to do what they can do in about an hour,” noted Rob Calcote, principal of St. Patrick Catholic School. “With limited staff, their helping hands mean a lot.”

For many students, the experience was transformative. First-year Dental Hygiene Program student Bethany Hughes shared her perspective: “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.”

The community service initiative also welcomed new participants this year, including AccentCare, a hospice and palliative care provider. “We absolutely love having volunteers,” said McKayla Bedwell, the volunteer services coordinator. “We will definitely continue to do this for sure.”

Whiting summarized the essence of the event by stating, “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 more information about Meridian Community College and its initiatives, visit meridiancc.edu.