Lamar University held The Big Event, March 23, where volunteers were divided into different groups and assigned to a non-profit organization. Beaumont Mayor Roy West started the morning with a motivational speech thanking the volunteers for helping the community.
“What y’all are doing today is making a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “By doing what you’re doing you might be inspiring others.”
One of the groups volunteered for the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club at Sam Houston Elementary in Port Arthur. The students helped set up for the Family Fun Fest Event at the school, which was held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students were each assigned a station at the event. Some led games and activities while others passed out fliers and managed the sign-in table.
Port Arthur senior Vicky Longoria volunteered as part of LU’s Hispanic Society. She implementing support for youth should always begin at a young age.
“Being able to see the future generation of leaders at such a young age is so fulfilling and exciting, because they will each grow into different individuals with different goals and aspirations,” Longoria said.
The Big Event is the largest one-day, student-run service project. Lamar University first participated in 2017.