"You Got Served" Brings Hope to the Community

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EUGENE, Ore.  - For incoming students at Northwest Christian University, participation in their New Student Orientation program this weekend included a first-time endeavor called You Got Served. This year's project involved working with kids at the Project Hope event. Hosted by the One Hope Network, over 52 churches and ministries joined together to host a back-to-school event for the community in the parking lot of Autzen Stadium.

Kirsten McCormick, Director of Student Programs for NCU and the organizer of the You Got Served event said, "We take time during Orientation to serve the Eugene/Springfield community because we are called to serve our neighbors. Since this is so important, as members of our institution and as God has made us to be, we make it a priority for our students from the very beginning of their time at NCU."

During the event, thousands received free shoes, backpacks, school supplies, and socks. Free meals, snacks and drinks were served and free haircuts were given. With long lines for the giveaway items, students were on hand to pass out cookies, deliver water, and play with the kids.

"I was so proud of our students and how they dove in and found work to do," said McCormick. "Whether they were bringing water and cookies to those waiting in line or playing duck-duck-goose or hoola-hoop with the kids, it was an opportunity for our students to provide some hope for the children and their families as they waited patiently for their supplies."

McCormick says that Project Hope may very well become an annual part of the You Got Served program. It is also just the first of many school-wide service related projects throughout the school year. The next will be Embrace the City day on Friday, September 23rd when NCU classes are cancelled and activities are shut down so that the entire body may be able to go out to various organizations throughout the community to make a difference.

Sunday also marked the first ever Beacon Athletics Service Day. With new student-athletes participating at the Project Hope Event, over 60 returning athletes gathered for a pair of projects through partnership with St. Vincent de Paul's. For more information on that event, click here.