Seventh graders from Mexico Middle School cleaned up Elmwood Cemetery. Realtors and staff from Century 21 donated workbooks to McMillan Elementary's Early Learning Center. Commerce Bank held a …
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Seventh graders from Mexico Middle School cleaned up Elmwood Cemetery. Realtors and staff from Century 21 donated workbooks to McMillan Elementary's Early Learning Center. Commerce Bank held a collection drive for the animal shelter. The Jackson family brought gifts and needed items to residents of Pin Oaks.
These were just a few of the projects that made up the annual Tyronn Lue Day of Service in Mexico on Friday. Work extended across the community.
Almost the entire student body of the Mexico School District took part, as did all the cadets at Missouri Military Academy. St. Brendan's school extended it to a month of giving.
In addition to the schools, 25 businesses, clubs and other organizations took part in the event.
"It's just a good day," said Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce director Dana Keller. "No matter what your age is or your ability level, people can make a difference."
The chamber oversees the Day of Service, which was inspired by the L.A. Clippers head coach's continued commitment to the community. Lue was born in Mexico and his dedication to the city goes far beyond the fireworks display.
So on Friday, one group of middle school students roamed the downtown area, bags in hand, scooping up litter.
"I think it's good helping the environment," said Alexis Johns, one of the students.
Eva Garcia observed that the area was pretty clean, but small items cluttered the sidewalks and alleys.
"I got a whole cup full of cigarettes," Izabell Cummings pointed out.
Some middle school students visited grade schools to read stories. St. Brendan's sent a team to dress up the Optimist ball fields. MMA cadets could be seen painting at the Missouri Veterans Home, helping out at Little Dixie Fire Protection District and fixing things up at Arthur Hills Golf Course, among other projects.
Folks from United Credit Union cleared trash from Lakeview Park. Sydenstricker Nobbe brought doughnuts to local teachers. Medical staff at Audrain Community Hospital dedicated visits to Mexico Senior Center to provide blood pressure checks. Even the chamber got involved, delivering 22 dozen homemade cinnamon rolls to healthcare providers.
"I think it's good to help the community out," said middle school student Bethany Forbis.
The pandemic postponed the Day of Service a year ago. The turnout this time around more than made up for it.
"We realized as a community how important is is to give," Keller said, explaining the impact of COVID-19 on people's mindset.
The students seemed to enjoy the day. And for Johns, it encouraged a longer lasting commitment.
"I would go out and pick up anything, honestly," she said.