Thank you, Lincoln University students.
Wearing shirts sporting the word "Service," about 700 Lincoln University student volunteers performed a half-day of community services at various venues throughout the community.
Among their efforts, the students: completed landscaping and beautification at Kirchner State School for the severely disabled, removed trash from along the Greenway and Wear's Creek, served meals at the Salvation Army, and repacked and labeled food products at the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri.
The volunteer commitment was part of Lincoln University's first Day of Service. The school partnered with the United Way of Central Missouri to identify areas and venues in need of volunteer assistance.
"It's always important to give back to the community, and if they know the community, they'll feel a part of it," said Sheila Gassner, LU's executive director of facilities and planning.
The student volunteers who took part in the Day of Service identified a number of benefits.
One was the simple joy of helping others. "Giving back, to me, is just being there when somebody needs you without having to be asked or expecting a reward in return," said freshman Keara Gaitan.
Another was learning more about the community and potential job opportunities. "It was a chance to get off of campus and see what's around us while giving back at the same time," said Da'Von Boyd-Jackson.
And, according to senior Kristina Parks, the Day of Service strengthened the link between the university and community. She cited the shared commitment of LU President Kevin Rome and Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin to dispel what she called "negative perceptions" and replace those with positive interaction.
We commend the leaders of Lincoln University and Jefferson City for taking actions to strengthen that connection.
Ultimately, however, the city's residents and university students must follow that lead and work together to improve our community.
We applaud the example set by the students who stepped forward and volunteered for the inaugural Day of Service.