Two pillars of Missouri State University’s Public Affairs mission are community engagement and ethical leadership.
Missouri State’s construction club brought that mission to life this holiday season through donations to Operation Christmas Child.
“This project means a lot to me as well as other members of the construction club,” said Hunter Myers, the club’s community service officer .
“It’s amazing knowing that we get to play a small part in giving children a gift who we will most likely never meet.”
Collecting gifts for children in need
Over the last seven years, the construction club has partnered with a local church to collect items for children in need and ship them all over the world.
This year, they collected soccer balls, notebooks, pencils, stickers, jump ropes and more for children in developing nations.
“This has become a tradition that our club members look forward to,” said Dr. Richard Gebken, associate professor of technology and construction management.
“The students use their own money to fill 150 shoe boxes with both essential items and toys.”
About the construction club
The construction club promotes interest in construction careers and excellence in the construction industry.
Involvement with the group gives students the opportunity to meet professionals in the industry by assisting area construction organizations with fund-raising projects.
The club’s philanthropy doesn’t stop with holiday giving.
Members have led a variety of community service projects over the years in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, Harmony House, Lost and Found and more.