Making Magnolia Blossom is hopeful for hundreds more volunteers to register and work at the November 21 Big Splash Saturday.
This Big Splash had to be rescheduled from October 24 due to rain. The previously scheduled November Second Saturday at CCAPS will no longer take place this weekend, but will coincide with the November 21 event.
Pre-registration for individuals, families, and groups is available at www.magnoliablossom.org/big-splash. Shifts include 9 a.m. – noon and/or 1 – 4 p.m. More than 80 people have registered, but task opportunities are available for several hundred community members to complete meaningful projects.
Check-in will be at the south entrance to SAU in the parking lot across from Overstreet Hall. MMB leaders will be on hand to quickly offer task information and supplies to volunteers in a drive-through process. Lunch will also be served at this location.
Projects for this Big Splash include weed-eating, edging, and landscaping cleanup along Jackson Street in preparation for the Christmas parade. Although MMB has a few weed-eaters, those willing and able are encouraged to bring their own weed-eaters, edgers, and mowers so that more of an impact can be made across the city.
Volunteers will also be working the CCAPS Animal Shelter and updating the round landscaping plots that MMB added last year on Main Street with new mulch and flowers. Other groups will touch up painting needs across the city, including dividing walls, curbs, and metal railings. Teams will also pick up litter across Magnolia.
MMB has been able to purchase equipment and supplies thanks to the generosity of local individuals and businesses, but more donations of supplies and/or funds is needed. MMB is selling tee-shirts as a fundraiser for $10 that read, “Dirty shirt. Clean city.” To purchase a shirt or to donate to MMB, contact Deana Taylor at 870-235-4922 or DeanaTaylor@SAUmag.edu. Volunteers at the Big Splash will be offered a complimentary shirt, but can also provide a donation.
Making Magnolia Blossom is a community-involvement organization at Southern Arkansas University. A group of staff, faculty, and students started MMB in 2014, and more than 500 volunteers from SAU and the community contributed time and effort at the initial Big Splash Saturday event. Since then, MMB has hosted a Spring Edition of Big Splash, as well as several Second Saturday events which partner with area organizations to complete needed projects. MMB has completed dozens of city improvement projects in its first year, and was awarded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission the Volunteer of the Year Award.
To find out more or to get involved in MMB, visit www.MagnoliaBlossom.org or like MMB on Facebook.
