Those Students and Alumni were up at 8 am Wednesday, October 3rd to help serve over 80 Siouxland organizations. Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society organized Into the Streets where students in group and departments sign up to help different agencies around Siouxland. This year was unique because they had the biggest turnout, and Alumni were able to participate.
Emily Widman, a senior has participated the last four years. “My favorite part about Into the Streets is seeing so many students there in the morning making a difference in one day.” Widman explained later that she was excited that Alumni were able to participate and that she would definitely go as an Alum with Campus Ministries again.
This year, Widman was able to help with the Salvation Army to move boxes and sort clothes. She liked seeing so many students with her participating, and making a difference This event has taught Emily service-mindedness. It is important that Morningside sets aside a whole day for this event because it shows the significance of volunteering, and that Morningside cares about the community.
Maggie Ganley, a senior, has participated in Into the Streets for the last three years with AOII, the sorority on campus. This year, they went to East Middle School to do crafts and board games, and dancing with the Special Ed kids. She enjoyed being able to give back, and participating with her fellow sisters. “I do really like the bonding aspect.” This event creates an atmosphere for students to help others, but also to enjoy time with their friends and classmates.
This event was organized by seniors Maddie Dotzler and Nic Madsen, and has been in the works since May with 15 other committee members. Dotzler says “I think the most enjoyable part was seeing everyone on that day when we finally had all the shirts figured out, and the support that we get from the community when we call places and, and the thank you from the organizations after, knowing that we did make a difference and that all of our students really helped the local organizations.”
Alumni were able to participate in this year, idea from Nic Madsen “I think it was a brilliant idea on his part, and it will only grow bigger and bigger.” “I hope we can get even more people to participate next year, and I would love to be one of them, “ Dotzler says.
Abby Koch, a sophomore at Morningside was part of the committee for this event , “It was a rewarding experience for me because it is making phone calls, learning how to talk on the phone, and other leadership skills.” She volunteered with the Mass Communications Department.
Koch further discusses situations where “on the spot improvisation leadership skills to handle the situation” were needed, and she learned. Some examples discussed include missing t-shirts and correct groups not in the right location. These problems were sorted out, thanks to Koch and other dedicated members in ODK.
This event has been going on for 12 years, students arrive at Eppley, receive juice, donut, and t-shirt, and are sent out into the community until noon. It is important because it gives Morningside Students an opportunity to serve others, and look at the world from a new perspective. It helps students on the committee build leadership and teamwork skills. It also creates an atmosphere for students to bond within their sports, groups, and departments, as well as helping the Alumni stay connected.