Lyon College students, faculty, and staff will once again join forces to give back to the local community during the 28th annual Lyon College Service Day on Thursday, Oct. 20, in Batesville. This year’s Service Day is part of the college’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Lyon College Service Day is one of Batesville’s largest single-day service initiatives, with more than three dozen service project sites throughout the city and Independence County. The event provides Lyon College students with an opportunity to come together to learn more about the needs of the community and introduces students to volunteer opportunities and community service.
Service Day will get underway at 8:30 a.m. with coffee, scones, and a moment of fellowship and a message from Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner before the campus community gathers supplies and heads out to work at community sites.
“Service Day is a great way for Lyon College to remember its connection to the community of Batesville and to give back to those who helped and continue to help make Lyon College a leader in education here in Independence County,” said Lyon College Chaplain Maggie Alsup, who is organizing the event.
Students, faculty, and staff will be cleaning up Main Street, visiting with members of retirement communities, cleaning the riverbank, and assisting at local agencies, including the Humane Society of Independence County, Batesville Help and Hope, VFW Post 4501, and others.
“Through these opportunities, we are joining our neighbors to make Batesville all that it can be,” Rev. Alsup said. “As students work alongside faculty and staff, it is our hope that they gain an appreciation of service and take steps in their lives to become service-minded young adults. While Service Day is just one day, it is our hope that through participating, students may implement service throughout their lives here at Lyon and after Lyon.”
During the noon hour on Thursday, there will be a community lunch for those participating in Service Day in Edwards Commons on the Lyon College campus. To give thanks and celebrate the hard work of students, faculty, and staff, Hurts Donuts will distribute donuts from its Whaaambulance during the community lunch.
Lyon College also will sponsor an Arkansas Blood Institute blood drive from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the first floor of Whiteside Hall during the Oct. 20 Service Day.
If 30 individuals participate in the blood drive, the institute will make a $450 contribution to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Batesville on behalf of the Lyon College community.
The community is invited to participate in the blood drive and can sign up to donate here: https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/393984.
Information provided by Lyon College
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