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There’s something about giving back to your own community that ignites your spirit and warms your heart – and that’s exactly what 175 employees from Davidson-Davie Community College did by participating in its third annual Day of Service on March 5.

This year the event, which began in 2019 as part of an initiative by Dr. Darrin Hartness, former president of Davidson-Davie, partnered with 16 agencies, organizations and schools that serve Davidson and Davie counties.

Groups involved in the event this year included: Pinebrook Elementary School (Davie County), Communities in Schools Thomasville, Davidson Charter Academy, Family Services of Davidson County, J. Smith Young YMCA, Life Center of Davidson County, Medical Ministries in Lexington and Thomasville, Pickett Elementary School in Lexington, Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Thomasville, A Storehouse for Jesus, Habitat for Humanity of Davie County, Father’s Storehouse, PTK Adopt a Highway, Smart Start of Davidson County, Davie County Senior Services, and a Davidson-Davie team making blankets for the homeless shelter.

“Our employees at Davidson-Davie are such a special group of caring and kind individuals. The people in Davidson and Davie counties are our friends and neighbors, and it’s only natural to support these groups that are a vital part of our community,” said Davidson-Davie President Jenny Varner, who made stops at many locations. “These are organizations, agencies and schools that have touched many lives – including our own employees, students and their families.”

Employees like Jasmine Hargrave were excited to have the opportunity to lend a helping hand. Hargrave, who serves as the director of Reconnect and Success, has participated in the event since it began.

Last spring, she and her team visited Smart Start of Davidson County. While she explained she was familiar with Smart Start, she was unsure what to expect. “I had never volunteered with them before, so I was excited to see what we would be helping out with.” Her team had a great time with the agency last year, and when the opportunity presented itself again this year, the group was eager to go back. “Without hesitation, we said ‘sign us up again’.”

Hargrave said this year, her group assisted with assembling grab bags filled with items that are helpful for parents and children, and even included materials in Spanish. “I know how important a fresh start is for children – especially going into kindergarten,” she added.

For her, though, she looked most forward to the opportunity to give back to others in her own community.

“As a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., we thrive on service to the community,” Hargrave said. “But it makes it even more special when you get to do this type of work with your colleagues from work. I have a small, but great team and it’s always fun when we work together.”