Reaching Out

College students pray for Saturday. It is a time for rest as well as day to help others.

UMHB participates in a service project called Reaching Out. It is an opportunity for college students to give back to the community.

Twice a year volunteers gather in the SUB at 8:30 in the morning awaiting their assignments. After a short worship service, volunteer put on matching T-shirts that erase creed, ethnicity and race and create unity among the students toward one central goal.

By nine that morning, students, faculty and staff team up and go to their designated project locations, which can range from the Ronald McDonald House to Hope for the Hungry.

Event organizer Josh Hobratsch said, “Reaching Out is a big responsibility, but at the same time it is amazing seeing the university come together to do work for others.”

He said something as simple as smiling at people in the community can make a difference.

At noon on Reaching Out day, teams trickle in as they finish serving the local area. Even though the time UMHB affiliates are helping is not lengthy, it is an intense period that residents and area organizations say they appreciate.

Students will have another opportunity to be a part of Reaching Out , Saturday, March 24, 2007.

Hobratsch, who will head the spring event as well, said students especially should help.

He said, “Just come out on the big day with a willing heart to work."