PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — For the second year, Northern Maine Community College freshmen made community connections by volunteering their time and service for the greater good.
During move-in weekend, Aug. 25-27, the freshmen living on campus, along with NMCC Residential Life staff, took some time to assist Catholic Charities with their Farm For ME outreach by weeding a section of the farm in Caribou.
Northern Maine Community College student Will Rees was one of several members of the Residential Life staff who helped weed and harvest at Catholic Charities Maine’s Farm for ME in Caribou. (Courtesy of Northern Maine Community College)
The farm helps provide fresh vegetables, such as beets, rutabaga and carrots, to people who need access to food sources. Through their work, students had a first-hand opportunity to recognize the importance of community and how volunteering can allow them the ability to have a positive impact.
“We are a community college. Volunteering helps students, regardless of where they are from, realize we are part of something larger. It allows them to experience what we stand for,” said Jon Blanchard, director of residential life.
“In addition to the positive feelings associated with volunteering, we have found that when students are connected to their community, they are more likely to persist and graduate,” he said.
In the tradition of Aroostook County farming, the project also allowed the students to get to know each other a little better and helped to “break the ice” in building new friendships.
NMCC students and staff participate in volunteer efforts throughout the year as a way of giving back to the community at large.
For more information about Northern Maine Community College, visit nmcc.edu.
