Houghton College, Alfred State College, and Alfred University served the residents of Allegany County by participating in the fifth annual Make a Difference Day (MADD).
On the nationwide day of service, which happened on October 22, students and faculty from all three schools came together and assisted those in the community with tasks such as making goodie bags, organizing donations, visiting nursing homes, and cleaning.
Among the three schools, Houghton College as has historically had the highest turn-out rate, according to statistics on the Houghton College website. Of the two thousand students that have participated in MADD over the last four years, one thousand of them have been Houghton students. This year, about seventy Houghton students signed up. While some sign up as individuals, other groups, such as the Houghton baseball team and the Jet Group signed up collectively.
Melissa Maclean ‘17, Student Government Association’s(SGA) Executive Officer of Spiritual Life, sees the day “as an opportunity for Houghton to employ what we stand for and give back to the community.” Maclean, along with SGA cabinet member Sergio Mata, ’19, were responsible for coordinating with Phyllis Gaerte in encouraging students to sign up, delegating tasks, and organizing finances.
While the SGA is concerned with serving locals, they also place an emphasis creating connections with people and businesses in Allegany county, especially those who have not heard of Houghton College. What is important, Maclean said, is “making ourselves known but not in the tyrannical, ‘let us show you how great we are’ way, but in a, ‘let us humble ourselves and serve you,’ way.” Mata agreed, “I think Make a Difference Day is another way Houghton reaches out to the county. Small businesses are really appreciative of us coming out and getting done the tasks they need.”
Laura Cunningham, resident director of Gillette Hall and assistant director of service opportunities, also had a significant role in coordinating the day. While Cunningham has participated in MADD personally, her role these past couple years have been more logistical, including working with SGA, putting people into service crews, taking pictures, and generally managing.
However, Cunningham has confronted “unique challenges” in organizing and promoting MADD amidst the tumultuous time of the year that the day falls on. With midterms, events such as Homecoming Weekend, Purple and Gold Week, and October break, it has proved a challenge to generate interest and enthusiasm while students may “not be thinking ahead.” In previous years, MADD has been required of Transitions 101 students, affecting success and turn-out of the event.
“Overall, people find that Make a Difference Day is a positive experience,” Cunningham says. “People experience having a one-time, low-commitment way of helping in the community, and visiting places in the community they don’t normally get to go to.” Despite midterm exams and projects, a few hours of service proves very valuable to both Allegany locals as well as to those who participate. With the variety of ways to serve, Cunningham cites several students who grew and learned from their MADD experience. She said she hopes students realize that serving in small ways is very helpful, impactful, and fulfilling.