About a dozen Collin College students spent time during spring break to add a little beauty to the world by volunteering at the World Collection Park of the Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney. Part of the Alternative Spring Break program, the students said it was a good chance to give back to the community in their free time.
“I had the whole week off and I needed something to do, plus it is a good example for my kids,” Jeff Lewis, a photography student said. “I think volunteering is good and I just wanted to give something back to the college.”
Lewis and the other volunteers weeded the gardens, laid mulch around the crape myrtle trees and worked to beautify the park in preparation for spring when visitors and residents will be able to enjoy the trees in full bloom. This early work is important to the health of the park, providing the best environment possible for the trees to grow in.
“The volunteers are essential to keeping the park looking good,” Elizabeth Smidt, a Crape Myrtle Trails board member also volunteering that day, said. “The city is a little overtaxed on their labor and can’t get to everything. So, by helping out, we are giving back to our city and making things more beautiful.”
Harmit Gangar, a biology student at Collin, said that getting involved in the community and giving back is important to her. She said she has volunteered other times as well, with cleanup projects and other service events.
“I like the social organization (of volunteering), being able to take an active part in your college,” Gangar said. “It provides you with self-assurance that you have done something good for your community and that is rewarding at the end of the day. I feel good.”
Responses like that are one of the reasons that organizers find opportunities like this one for students to take part in. Michael Gregorash, assistant director of student engagement at Collin College, said that
students who want to get involved can check Cougar Connect, the student engagement social media portal to find opportunities. In the fall, Gregorash said the college will coordinate with organizations like Volunteer McKinney and Habitat for Humanity on “Make a Difference Day,” another major service projects event day, but that service events are posted throughout the year.
Bryan Tobar, who is studying business at Collin, said he read about Alternative Spring Break on a flyer when he went to see a play. He said the event was his first time volunteering and that he liked the feeling it gave him.
“It’s pretty cool,” he said. “If you don’t do it, who will?”
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