Rhonda Loper, president of UACCB’s Staff Senate
The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is giving back to the community this holiday season through a new initiative called Adopt a Neighbor. The idea was sparked on an ordinary morning commute when Rhonda Loper, president of UACCB’s Staff Senate, drove past The Springs of Batesville, located right next to campus. Inspired to find a meaningful way for the college to support its neighbors, UACCB’s Staff Senate created a donation drive to collect items for the residents.
“On December 2, we’re going to host a Christmas party for them,” Loper shared. “We’ve partnered with Lyon College, and their students will provide singing entertainment. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The response from local partners and the campus community has been overwhelmingly positive. Flowers Baking Company generously donated all of the Honey Buns requested by residents, and donations continue to come in. Current high-need items include 6–8 oz bottles of body wash and shampoo, gift bags, and large-font puzzle books.
The Adopt a Neighbor project is part of UACCB’s broader Caring Campus initiative. Caring Campus is an intentional effort to make students feel welcomed and connected at UACCB. Caring Campus also helps professional staff connect with one another and with other employee groups to create a positive college environment.
Those interested in donating or getting involved in Adopt a Neighbor this holiday season can contact Rhonda Loper at 870-612-2057 or Rhonda.Loper@uaccb.edu.
Loper recently dropped by the White River Now studio to visit with Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ’s Sean Peer about the project. Listen to their conversation below:
Image via UACCB / Sponsored content
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