The Minority Mentorship Program decided to ring in the holiday season with community service Nov. 19.

Over 60 attendees were charged with packing bags or making cards to be distributed abroad. 

With its emphasis on community service, the event deviated slightly from the events the organization hosted earlier in the semester. However, that is not the only way the event set itself apart from the rest. The Minority Mentorship Program, for its last activity of the year, partnered with the National Residence Hall Honorary to make the event a success. 

According to the NRHH website, “The National Residence Hall Honorary is the premiere honorary supported by the leading international organization advocating for the interests and welfare of residence hall students [International RHA Conference], while also providing opportunities for their personal growth and development.” 

Additionally, “It ensures the advancement of member chapters through resource sharing, programming, and leadership development opportunities to contribute and support the vision of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls, Incorporated.” 

Kam’Ryn Glover, senior accounting major and MMP team leader, was the primary organizer of the event. 

“The inspiration behind this event stemmed from me wanting to combine two organizations that I am deeply involved in,” Glover said. “I serve as the Event Coordinator for MMP and the Director of Diversity for the National Residence Hall Honorary.” 

”Since NRHH is a service organization,” Glover said, “I decided to do a collaborative service program to conclude MMP’s semester of events. After discussing the idea with my advisor, we decided on making holiday bags to pass out to the College Square Retirement Community.” 

Attendees had two options once they arrived on site — pack holiday bags or write holiday cards.

Each holiday bag included a pair of socks, a decorated holiday card, a candy cane, a packet of hot chocolate and chocolate candies. 

Anayasia Green, a freshman elementary education major, said she gained much more than a few service hours from the event. 

”I gained happiness because I was able to bring joy to the retirement home for their holidays, so they were able to feel loved and supported by someone,” she said.

Green’s attendance stemmed from the desire to see and be with her MMP mentor to make up for lost time.  

“Also, I wanted to spread Christmas cheer for the retirement and get a few community service hours,” Green said. 

“My favorite part was laughing about the Christmas trees my mentor and I drew very uniquely,” Green said. 

Jessica Nowden, a sophomore economics major, shared similar sentiments. 

“I decided to come to the event in order to help others feel thought of during the holidays and to build connections with others there,” Nowden said. “This event has motivated me to do more for people and not just worry about what I’m going to receive.” 

MMP’s next program will be held Feb. 18.