Over 800 SMU students came out Saturday morning to participate in the 42nd Annual Community Service Day. 

The event is put on by Students Promoting Awareness, Responsibility and Citizenship (SPARC) and helps kick off Homecoming week on campus. Groups get points toward their overall Homecoming score based on the percentage of the organization that participates. 

“Community Service Day is one of the best Homecoming events because it is great to see so many students go out and help the Dallas area,” said Sarah Bennett, Eta Iota Sigma’s Homecoming candidate. 

SMU’s Community Service Day is a campus-wide event that connects participating student organizations with 24 non-profit agencies across the Dallas Fort Worth area, including organizations such as Operation Kindness, the Garland Trash Bash and Catholic Charities.

The Garland Trash Bash is a part of the City of Garland’s efforts to keep its city clean and litter-free, as part of the Keep Texas Beautiful campaign.

“We went to Garland with a few other fraternities and sororities, and picked up trash and recyclables near a community park,” said Chris Corbeille, a junior and a member of Beta Theta Pi. “It felt good to know that we were helping provide a clean recreational environment for the children there.”

Some organizations picked up trash around White Rock Lake in an effort to preserve some of the natural beauty around Dallas. 

“It was great being outdoors, enjoying Dallas, while helping the Dallas community and environment,” Katie Tuminello, a sophomore and a member of Chi Omega, said. “Everyone running and biking thanked us.”

Charlotte Rhodes, a junior and member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, agreed.

“It was really rewarding to see how something as little as picking up trash can benefit the community,” said Rhodes, who also cleaned up around White Rock Lake. 

Other groups helped out at fall festivals and children’s homes in the area, such as Esther Liu, a sophomore and a member of Eta Iota Sigma. 

“My group went to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, where we helped with a Halloween carnival,” Liu said. “The Starlight Foundation provides activities and events for children with life-threatening illnesses. It was really great to see all the kids in their adorable costumes.”

One sophomore and member of Eta Iota Sigma, Christy Parrott, took a lot away from the experience.

“It felt great to make a difference in the lives of some children who don’t often get the chance to enjoy a ‘normal’ life,” she said.  

Drew Konow, Homecoming candidate from SMU Catholic, found serving a “humbling experience.”

“It was a proud day to be a Mustang, knowing that so many people had given up their time for others less fortunate,” he said.