Southeast Missouri State University students embark on weekend of volunteer projects

Don't be surprised to find hundreds of Southeast Missouri State University students lending a hand around Cape Girardeau today and Saturday.

More than 350 students are volunteering their time for "Southeast Gives Back," a Student Government initiative. The idea is to help improve the community while enhancing the social community on campus, said Katie Herring, Southeast Student Government president.

"We are a great campus made up of a lot of great students," Herring said. "One of our biggest challenges as a university community is figuring out [ways] to reach out to one another and work together to accomplish something great."

The event is divided into three parts: the on-campus cleanup, the community cleanup, and Silly Saturday, a children's carnival at Discovery Playhouse. Ashley Weder, Student Government University Affairs chairwoman, is heading up the planning for the improvement campaign, while Denise Schmidt, Student Government chief of staff, is coordinating Silly Saturday.

"It's been a lot of fun so far, working with students as well as the city and facilities management," Weder said. "A lot of work, but also a lot of fun."

The community cleanup runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

There will be decentralized check-ins at the different projects throughout the city. Silly Saturday starts at 8 a.m. at Discovery Playhouse.

Pertinent address:

One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO

502 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO