Community service is a significant aspect of the Siloam Springs community as it helps to build a stronger and more connected community while also providing opportunities for individuals to give back and make a positive impact. There are many organizations and initiatives in Siloam Springs that encourage and support community service, including local non-profit organizations, schools and churches.
One popular community service project in Siloam Springs is the annual Serve Siloam, which is held in the spring and brings together hundreds of volunteers to participate in various service projects throughout the city. One of the main goals of Serve Siloam is to bring people together to work towards a common goal of improving the community. The projects included range from cleaning up parks and streams, to painting schools and community centers as well providing assistance at local food banks and animal shelters. The variety of projects ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of age, ability or interests.
At John Brown University, community service is also a very important part of student life. For the University’s orientation week, community service in Siloam Springs is part of the agenda for incoming students. Freshman Alexandra Castillo shared with us her experience with serving during orientation week. She explained how she and her group helped cleaning a local church. “I liked the experience because I got to help the community and it also helped me build better relationships with my teammates” she shared. Community service is often be a requirement for some of the students attending the University. Such is the case for Walton scholars. The Walton International Scholarship Program, funded by the Walton Family Foundation, believes in relationships and cooperation. Students under this scholarship need to fulfill a certain amount of community service hours in Siloam Springs as a requirement for graduation.
JBU Athletics students also participate in community service activities in and out of Siloam Springs. Sophomore Renny Buchanan, member of the JBU Women’s Soccer team, shared her experience doing community service in a school in Watts, Oklahoma: “We spend time with the kids and kind of try to show them something to look up to and hope for their future” she said. She also shared how they are motivated to show kids God’s light and love through this community service opportunity.
A tangible way for University students and locals to get involved in community service in Siloam is by volunteering at local non-profit organizations, such as Beautiful Lives Boutique, an “upscale” donation-based thrift store that focuses on helping women around the world. Currently, Beautiful Lives is partnering with the University by providing students the opportunity to volunteer and taking donations in every women’s Residence Hall.
Overall, community service is a vital part of the fabric of Siloam Springs. There are many opportunities for individuals to get involved and make a positive impact. Whether through volunteer work, community service projects or other initiatives, everyone has the opportunity to play a role in building a stronger and more connected community.