Story by Charleston Bowles / Inform Muncie
Editor's Note: This story was originally published in November, 2022.
Muncie has 825 organizations employing over 6,035 people and Ball State University students aren’t shying away from getting involved.
Senior psychology major Caleb Floyd, member of The Phi Beta Sigma Chapter, participated in the annual ‘Sleepout for the Homeless’ on Nov. 2.
For 24 hours, Floyd and his fraternity stayed outside at the Scramble Light on campus to raise money and collect financial donations for the homeless. They also asked for clothing, food and hygiene products.
Floyd said the experience of holding up signs and being ignored by traveling cars was humbling. However, he said the final result was worth it.
“You never realize who is in need of something until you’re actually put there putting in the work and helping people out,” Floyd said, “For example, when I was at the sigma sleepout and I was collecting donations, that was basically like a simulation of what it was like to be homeless. I only did this for 24 hours, there are people doing that every day for their lives.”
All the proceeds were donated to Muncie Mission Ministries and the Soup Kitchen of Muncie, two non-profit organizations that provide food and shelter for local residents.
Louanna Ross, director of Retail Operations at Attic Window Thrift Store and Donation Center, oversees all five of its locations, including two in Muncie. The store is directly affiliated with Muncie Mission Ministries.
“That is a five-star mission,” Ross said. “I’ve had several people that have come home to this mission from this date to this date, and they will come here and go, ‘That is the best mission we’ve ever stayed in.’”
In April 2022, Floyd volunteered at Hillcroft’s ABA Clinic and wrote letters to the kids to show his appreciation. Floyd admitted he doesn’t know many of the people he’s given back to but said the experience remains fulfilling.
“It made me feel great,” Floyd said. “It really feels good when you know you’re making an impact in the community and that you’re benefiting more people than just yourself or your family members.”
Floyd, an Indianapolis native, said he notices similarities between his hometown and Muncie despite the size difference.
“Every time I’ve volunteered somewhere, the people welcome me with open arms [and] they’re very informative, very helpful,” Floyd said. “You can really tell that we have the same mission of wanting to help people.”
Junior secondary education major Mackenzie Rupp is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has completed community service in Muncie since arriving in 2020.
Rupp volunteers at Ross Community Center every Tuesday from 3- 5 p.m. Ross is a non-profit organization focused on improving Muncie and is located at 1110 W 10th St.
During her visits, Rupp said she watches kids on the playground, helps with their homework, participates in activities and engages with other student volunteers.
Rupp said local organizations provide additional outlets for students to become involved in Muncie outside of Ball State.
“Serving in the Muncie community made me realize that there is a lot more to Muncie than just Ball State,” Rupp said. “The area around campus is very nice and well-off so it was shocking to go to a less developed area. I’ve met a lot of people who are involved in the Muncie community and it’s interesting to hear what it’s like to live here when you’re not a student.”
Rupp said it’s crucial for students to be activists in the community because it helps them understand Muncie is bigger than just the student body.
“We live in a bubble while we’re on campus and students often forget that real people do live in Muncie,” Rupp said. “Volunteering exposes you to what’s going on in other parts of the community and not just the one you live in.”
Sophomore pre-telecommunications major Derin McCulley is a wide receiver for Ball State Football and volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank with his teammates in the summer of 2022.
Second Harvest Food Bank is a non-profit organization focused on fighting food insecurity and promoting nutrition.
“The experience was very educational and interesting,” McCulley said. “We got to see thousands of items and supplies that are given out to families and members of the community.”
McCulley believes Ball State student-athletes partnering with non-profits around Muncie is vital for developing the relationship with fans who attend their games.
“It creates a positive environment,” McCulley said. “It’s extremely important to be active in the community because it helps us understand how valuable a community is.”
Rupp knows several students who volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank and wants to see more student involvement around Muncie moving forward.
“If more students got involved with the community, it would benefit Muncie by providing more resources to areas of the community that are struggling,” Rupp said. “For example, the after-school program at Ross Community Center would not be possible without college students volunteering.”
Images by: Charleston Bowles
All Inform Muncie articles are written by students in the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication in a classroom environment with a faculty advisor.
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