Student body president Grace Kim and vice president Michael Whitsitt work with several other crews painting a home in Summerville.On Aug. 26, one week after classes began, Charleston Southern University students traded in their backpacks and books for hammers and paintbrushes. More than 200 students, faculty, coaches and staff joined with volunteers from Summerville Baptist Church and the city of Summerville for a day of “Xtreme Makeovers.”
Shortly after 8 a.m., groups of 10-12 students and their crew chiefs left the church and spread out across the Summerville community. Several crews joined forces at Gahagan Park, spreading mulch at the playground and applying a fresh coat of paint to the restrooms. Other projects included yard work, roofing, pressure washing homes, working at a Habitat for Humanity building site and at the Habitat Home Store. In all, 32 projects were completed as a result of the extreme effort.
“What a tremendous blessing this event proved to be for CSU’s students, faculty, coaches and staff,” said Rick Brewer, vice president for planning and student affairs. “The pastoral team and lay leaders of Summerville Baptist definitely went the “extra mile” by identifying work sites, providing crew leaders, and serving a delicious dinner at the end of the work day.”
A group of CSU students and Summerville Baptist volunteers spend Xtreme Makeover “up on the roof.”Students will continue to be involved in monthly community activities and projects, including Habitat for Humanity, United Way and others, through a new program at CSU entitled Catalyst.
“Xtreme Makeover … was a great way to come together to serve Jesus Christ and help those in need in our community,” said Matt Kuhn, minister of students at Summerville Baptist. “As a CSU alum, I am encouraged knowing that all CSU students have a chance to participate in missions.”