Charles McCarty

We met at the University for lunch and a message from international paper on recycling. We then went to our different locations to do service with our group. I give this event a 3 star because no one else from our group, except 3 people from IP, showed up to serve. There was no site leader and the park we needed to clean was fenced off. So, we just walked around cleaning up the streets. I feel that this could’ve had better organization and been much more productive.

This was a great experience to serve local Memphis citizens and help prepare for the upcoming 5k race. I helped hand out packets, t-shirts, and information about the Buffalo Run 5k to race participants and park visitors. I have always loved Shelby Farms and it has truly become a staple of this city. I enjoyed volunteering here, getting to know SF employees, and interacting with race participants.

For this event I was able to donate some hygiene items to the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry. Doing it definitely made me consider what I currently have and what I take for granted. This organization is doing some really great work and I would like to volunteer with them in the future.

At 40 Days for Life we have the opportunity to stand outside a Choices facility and peacefully pray to end abortion. This is such a cool experience because I get to meet like-minded people I can relate to and those who are opposed to me. This allows for controversy with civility and the chance for growth in communication and understanding.

At this event we were able to set up the space for a 40 Days for Life speaker, greet the guests, sell T-shirts, and listen to the speaker's story. It was a great opportunity to meet people and hear why they are involved with 40 Days for Life. In addition, the speaker had an incredible story that really grabbed ahold of your heart. It definitely led me to think about abortion and the events women go through differently.

Members of Memphis Coalition of Students for Life held a garage sale in an open lot to raise money for the national organization. This was a great opportunity as it allowed us to engage in the community and make some great relationships. I also gained a better understanding of how to work and communicate with the people around me. And, I learned how much work a garage sale can be! Besides the rain and cold weather it was a great experience.