April 5, 2015
MARSHALL, Texas (4/02/15) - Students of East Texas Baptist University sacrificed personal time on a Saturday morning, March 28, to show Marshall that "ETBU Cares." This is a yearly event that provides an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to serve the Marshall community.
"The Great Commission Center sponsors "ETBU Cares" Day," said Dr. Lisa Seeley ETBU Great Commission Director. "Over 100 ETBU students served the Marshall community at this year's event in six different locations with seven projects to help with."
Members of the Tiger football team and coaches showed their teamwork and strength at Dayspring Therapeutic Equestrian Center of Harrison County. The football players cut down trees, piled up brush, and did maintenance work in the horse stables. Dayspring Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a non-profit organization that enhances the independence and life skills of individuals with disabilities through multi-level equine programs.
While the football team was serving, a much smaller group helped Habitat for Humanity of the Marshall Area. The local Habitat for Humanity organization posted on its Facebook page, "Thanks to ETBU for supplying four helpers today to clean out the portable building and placing everything on our shelves in our warehouse. Today, was "ETBU Cares" Day, so you probably saw quite a few students around town helping with projects."
Another group went to First Baptist Church of Marshall to prepare the Family Life Center for a Living Alternatives Barn Dance Fundraiser. The team moved in hay bales as well as decorated which provided an environment for a square dance. Living Alternatives of Marshall provides spiritual, economic, and community support for women and couples facing an unplanned pregnancy.
ETBU students also did service projects at My Friend's House, Boy's and Girl's Club of the Big Pines, and Robert E. Lee Elementary.
"This annual event grows a little bigger each year. In the future, we hope to expand the service opportunities and include local churches on the team of those serving," concluded Dr. Seeley.
"ETBU Cares", sponsored by the ETBU Great Commission Center, exists to help the ETBU community partner with their neighbors through service projects.