Missouri State’s public affairs mission is a defining characteristic of what it means to be a Bear.
Students learn about how to live by the pillars of ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. This mission extends far beyond graduation.
Bears in Action is a program that takes the public affairs mission off campus and into the communities where Bears live and work.
From April 20 through 28, Alumni Chapters in four regions of Missouri partnered with local organizations to host service projects that uphold our proud tradition of volunteerism.
Partnering with “America’s Hygiene Hub” in Kansas City
The week of alumni-led service projects kicked off in Kansas City at the facility for Giving the Basics (GTB), whose mission is to provide hygiene products to those in need.
“We had 10 people show up and spent 2 hours sorting and boxing basic hygiene items for the people of KC,” Kansas City Chapter President Rachel Detwiler ‘11 said.
Though hygiene products are a necessity, items such as soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent and even toilet paper are not eligible for purchase through any government assistance program. Because of this need, the organization has collaborated with over 700 locations to help support over 400,000 individuals regularly.
Members of the Kansas City Alumni Chapter teamed up to support GTB’s mission, ensuring that hygiene essentials are accessible to everyone in their community. Their efforts contribute to promoting dignity and well-being among those facing challenging circumstances.
“The organization was very appreciative, and we had a great time,” Detwiler added.
Lebanon Bears for Chairs
The Lebanon Alumni Chapter partnered with the Lebanon-Laclede Library to support their community’s youngest readers.
Lebanon Alumni Chapter President Sheila Moore ‘87 led the project to organize a penny drive to help the library purchase children’s rocking chairs.
Throughout the week, Chapter members encouraged others to donate their change to the library before collecting donations in-person that Friday.
“Even though it was rainy, we appreciate MSU alumni donating their time to help the Lebanon-Laclede County Library children’s room with new chairs,” Moore said.
This initiative not only enhances the library experience for children but also fosters a sense of community involvement and support for educational initiatives.
Fighting HIV and cancer with food in St. Louis
On Saturday morning, members of the St. Louis Alumni Chapter volunteered with Food Outreach, an organization focused on serving those living with HIV and/or cancer.
The St. Louis Alumni Chapter sorted and packed food products for distribution to clients residing in various zip codes across Missouri and Illinois. Food Outreach’s clients range in age from 15 to 101 years and many live with multiple illnesses in addition to their primary diagnosis.
Their programs provide each client with two nutritious meals per day, combined with nutrition counseling and monitoring by a registered dietitian.
By offering nutritious meals, counseling, and monitoring services, Food Outreach plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of individuals facing complex health challenges.
Transforming hunger into hope in Springfield
The week of Bears giving back wrapped up at the O’Reilly Center for Hunger Relief in Springfield.
Members of the Springfield Alumni Chapter and several members of the Student Alumni Association spent their Saturday sorting and packing products with Ozarks Food Harvest (OFH), a food bank serving 270 hunger-relief organizations across the greater Ozarks area.
In just four hours, volunteers packed over 300 boxes which included 8,700 pounds of packed boxes and 7,250 meals.
“Each of those boxes is being distributed through the mobile food distribution system they have in place,” Assistant Director, Student and Young Alumni Engagement, Arianna Gardner said.
As a token of appreciation during Volunteer Appreciation Week, participants also enjoyed a special tour of the facility, along with cupcakes and exclusive swag.
From local initiatives to global impact
“THESE SMALL GESTURES GO A LONG WAY TO IMPACTING OUR COMMUNITY IN BIG WAYS.”
Bears in Action 2024 showcases the collective impact that Bears have in their communities.
Looking ahead, Gardner shares excitement for the future of the program.
“Imagine hosting a week of service projects across the country or the world,” Gardner said.
By rallying alumni, friends and family to participate in impactful community service projects, Bears in Action demonstrates the civic virtues that Missouri State instills in its students long after graduation.
Want to join Bears in Action in 2025?
We’re recruiting project leaders to secure service projects and lead volunteers during the next week of service in April 2025.
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