18 Nov 2013 UACCM Ambassador project gives back
The brisk fall air and approaching holiday season bring along a spirit of giving for many people. But at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, a select group of students has been working diligently since August to give back to their communities through the Ambassador Project.
Each semester, seven students who exemplify outstanding academic and leadership abilities are selected to represent UACCM as student ambassadors. These students receive a scholarship in exchange for performing 128 hours of service to the college per semester. In addition, UACCM student ambassadors along with two work study students have planned several fundraising efforts as part of the Ambassador Project.
Wade James is in his second year as a student ambassador. “The Ambassador Project is an amazing part of my college experience… because of the self-enrichment and satisfaction that I am gaining,” he said.
“The project allows us as students and young adults to build upon essential life skills that we will be able to carry with us once we leave UACCM. Being able to help make a difference in other people’s lives is something special and the Ambassador Project is allowing us to do just that.”
For the first semester of the project, the students sought help from community members as well as other students, faculty and staff of UACCM to support Morrilton’s Southern Christian Home and the Soaring Wings Ranch in Faulkner County. Through the proceeds of a silent auction on campus, they are able to donate $1,000 to each of these organizations.
The UACCM student ambassadors invite the public to join them for a brief recap of this semester’s Ambassador Project and to share in their accomplishments with check presentations to Southern Christian Home and Soaring Wings Ranch. The event will take place beginning at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in the Fine Arts Auditorium at UACCM. Representatives from both organizations will also share a little about what they do.
Throughout the winter months, students will continue with the project with a beanie baby fundraiser. Beanie babies and larger beanie buddies can be sponsored by individuals for $10 and $15, respectively.
Beanie babies will then be dispersed to children at Southern Christian Home as well as children at shelters in Conway County and surrounding counties. The beanie buddies will be given to area police stations for officers to keep on hand for emergency situations involving children.
For more information about the Ambassador Project, contact Mark Thomas at 501.977.2000 or [email protected].
