A OF DAY PLAY By Haley Anzalone I Claire Heffley Members of men's social club Sigma Nu Epsilon and women's social club Chi Omega Pi served the children of the Paragould Children's Home and the Sunshine School as fall service projects. Members of SNE raised money every fall for the Paragould Children's Home, but this year they decided to expand their outreach. On Dec. 5, SNE members watched and played with the children while their foster parents attended a seminar at the College Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas. Junior Grant Stewart from Paragould, Arkansas, volunteered for the Paragould's Children Home most of his life. "Seeing the smiles on their faces, playing with them and seeing how much fun they have just uplifts you," Stewart said. "You can see yourself showing love to them, and you can see them showing love back, and that is just an amazing process to see that on their face." According to senior Jacob Baldwin, one of the most rewarding moments of volunteering was reconnecting with the same kids each year, and forming lasting relationships. "I remember two years ago there was this kid that was really little, and he couldn't really shoot the basketball, so I picked him up to help him," Baldwin said. "The first thing he did the next year he came back was walk up to me with his basketball waiting for me to help him again. It was so neat that he remembered me." Baldwin said his experiences at the Paragould Children's Home were a constant reminder ofGod's grace. "They always make us remember how blessed we are, and we try to bless them as well," Baldwin said. Similarly, members ofChi Omega Pi gave Christmas gifts to the children at the Sunshine School every fall. Members of the club paired up with one another and picked a child from a list of 65 kids that included their ages, genders and gift suggestions. The club members not only purchased the gifts, but delivered them directly to the children while dressed in elf costumes and other festive garb. According to Chi Omega Pi president senior Savannah Rackley, giving the surprise gifts was like playing the game "Secret Santa." Willie McNeill, secretary of the Sunshine School, said the kids looked forward to seeing the women of Chi Omega Pi each year. "It is a special experience that the kids just love," McNeill said. "They always remember the students' faces every year when they come back. We are just so thankful for their generosity." Senior Chi Omega Pi member Anna Britton, who participated in the annual gift giving, believed the opportunity benefitted more than just the children. "It's really sweet to be able to spread some joy to these kids and bring some excitement to their day," Britton said. "But I think overall, it's a great blessing to our club to be able to witness the joy that the students already have and share with us and all that they come into contact with." BB SOCIAL CLl'BS
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