Making Magnolia Blossom is encouraging groups, families, and individuals to preregister for the upcoming third biannual Big Splash Saturday on October 24, which will hopefully rouse hundreds of volunteers to complete dozens of city improvement projects.
Work will be in two shifts, and a complementary hotdog lunch will be in between from noon to 1 p.m. Volunteers can register online for 9 a.m. – noon or from 1 – 4 p.m. at www.MagnoliaBlossom.org/big-splash/volunteer.
Check-in will be at the south entrance to Southern Arkansas University 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. Although MMB has a few weed-eaters, those willing and able are encouraged to bring their own weed-eaters or edgers so that more of an impact can be made across the city.
Volunteers will also be updating the round landscaping plots that MMB added last year on Main Street with metal borders, 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. 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.
