We focused on the needs of the community’s children and helped to refurbish the Club. It falls under the umbrella of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mississippi Delta organization, which serves over 1,500 youth a year at its six sites.
Our mission was to lend a hand to create a better space and enhanced Club Experience for local kids. We also wanted to call attention to the children’s ongoing critical needs and rally the community around the solutions and services their kids need.
MLK Tribute
We were honored to take part in the town’s MLK Day Parade, attended by some 5,000 spectators. I had the honor of accompanying Brandon McCall, the Club’s Youth of the Year. We followed the Boys & Girls Club float packed with Club staff and kids, as the parade wound its way through the community. The people of Grenada couldn’t have been more welcoming.
That night, we joined community leaders, Club supporters and prospective stakeholders to discuss the needs of local families. We talked about the Boys & Girls Club, of course, and how it enables kids to achieve great futures by developing core competencies in academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. We also had in-depth conversations with local law enforcement, civic and business leaders about the need to build momentum behind the critical work the Club does in Grenada and communities throughout the Mississippi Delta.
Day of Service
On Tuesday, we began an extensive top-to-bottom refresh of the Clubhouse. Working side-by-side with Club staff, we installed new equipment, moved new furniture in, painted, installed drop ceilings, made roof repairs and more – all aimed at enhancing the environment for kids.
We put in an honest day’s work, for sure. And at the end of the day, we felt good about what we’d accomplished. We were fortunate to have volunteers from throughout the community pitch in and help us with the all-day project. Dr. King once said, “Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve.” Well, we definitely had some great people serving alongside us.
Kids Who Do Good Also Do Better
In addition to drawing attention to the needs of the Grenada Club and the region’s youth, we demonstrated that whether you’re an adult or child, your service can make a difference. The research is clear. Youth who participate in civic-engagement programs are less likely to drop out of high school and more likely to graduate than their peers who do not.
My thanks to Unit Director Floyd Miller, who did yeoman’s work to pull this Day of Service together. Thanks also to Aaron’s Inc., which donated much-needed furniture, appliances and electronics to the Club. As the rest of the nation joined in the National Day of Service, and Clubs around the country conducted their own service projects, our active engagement made the world a little bit better place. Thank you to everyone who honored Dr. King by giving back.