Be a Good NeighBear, Mercer’s biggest service event of the year, will take place Saturday, Sept. 26. Service opportunities will be spread throughout the day, with shifts beginning at 8:30 a.m.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Be a Good NeighBear, with MerServe, the event's primary organizer, aiming to fill 700 volunteer spots.
MerServe Director of Operations Nikhil Thinesh ‘27 said Be a Good NeighBear has been a major part of his college experience, making being a part of the 20th anniversary especially meaningful.
“It’s honestly such a dream,” Thinesh said.
MerServe is partnering with more than 20 organizations and offering 34 shifts for students to participate in throughout the day. Organizations include Backpack Buddies, which helps children get food when they are not in school, Habitat for Humanity, which is a nonprofit home improvement donation center helping to fund affordable housing work, Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia, which is a nonprofit helping to fund their residential life-recovery program and many other programs throughout Macon.
Thinesh first volunteered at Be a Good NeighBear during his sophomore year. He said his experience was unforgettable. He partnered with Weekend Lunch to help serve meals to people experiencing homelessness.
“It feels like you’re actually making an impact on this community,” Thinesh said. “I feel like I’m part of Macon now, instead of just feeling like I’m a college student.”
Executive Director Aleem Patni ‘27 said there are many reasons for students to get involved in service. He said Be a Good NeighBear provides a great opportunity for students to engage with the Macon community.
“In my opinion, you have a duty to give back, not just take away from Macon,” Patni said. “And it is fulfilling doing that.”
In addition to giving back, Patni said that when students try something new and get out of their comfort zones, they might discover a passion and become a consistent community partner with that organization.
“Maybe you find out that Mulberry Outreach Garden is really cool,” he said. “Because the plants we’re planting, they grow into fruits and vegetables for people who can’t afford them and aren’t fortunate enough to have a meal.”
Patni also said participating in service looks good on a resume.
“Not that many people do service or volunteer for protracted periods of time, and it shows that you can be committed to something,” Patni said.
Thinesh said Be a Good NeighBear is one of Mercer’s staples and that it is one of the best days of the year because it brings students and members of the Macon community together.
“I think even if you’re hesitant to volunteer, just come out and do something small,” Thinesh said.
