Big Event set for this month, volunteers needed

The time of year is here again for Southern Miss students to grab their work clothes and shoes and head out into the community to give back. The fourth annual Big Event will be held on March 24, beginning with check-in at 8 a.m. Starting today, the Student Government Association will have booths set-up in front of the Fresh Food Company for students to sign-up. 

The Big Event is a student led community service event where volunteers have an opportunity to give back to the Hattiesburg community by working different service events. This year, Big Event volunteers will work on beautification projects on campus, the community and other areas that were affected by the tornado. 

Other places include Thames Elementary, Hawkins Elementary, Edward’s Street Fellowship Center, Salvation Army, Southern Pines Animal Shelter and a few other places in the Hub City. Big Event Director and student Julia Bradley said the event is a great way for students to get connected in the community and help others in Hattiesburg. “A lot of times, students want to get involved and volunteer service hours, but they don’t know how,” Bradley said. 

“This event is a great opportunity for students to give back, and it’s already planned. SGA has done all the planning, so we just need students to show up.” Students who volunteer will receive a free lunch and t-shirt provided by SGA and sponsors. Four community service hours will also be given to student volunteers. 

Each year, students at Southern Miss log more than 50,000 community service hours, according to the Office of Community Service Learning, so Bradley said the Big Event is a great way to build service hours. “Not only are you giving back to Hattiesburg, but you’re also working with your piers,” Bradley said. “You’ll be able to work with other student organizations while working on behalf of your own organization. It’s a win win situation because you’re giving back to the community while spending time with friends.”