This October, students of the Roosevelt Park campus of Ross Medical Education Center were challenged by their Career Development Representative, Toni Hamilton, to donate personal care items to assist the Muskegon Rescue Mission (MRM). As one of the longest standing ministries in West Michigan, since its opening in 1907, MRM has been providing shelter, food, clothing, and other support to those in need. According to their website, people needing help come to them and they also receive referrals from citizens and community agencies, all to the end of serving “men, women and children from all walks of life.”
The students from the various programs all competed against each other on the campus to see which class could bring in the most items. Students kept their donations logged in the Career Services office and deposited all of them into a barrel provided by the Muskegon Rescue Mission. The Dental Assistant class ended up coming in first place with 368 items! As a reward for winning the competition, they were treated to pizza and caramel apples. In second place was the Medical Assistant students, and in third was the Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration class. However, everyone on the campus worked hard to support the Mission, and by the end of the drive, the students were able to donate 840 items that they had collected during the month of October.
This was the first time that Ross had the opportunity to work with the Muskegon Rescue Mission, but it will not be the last! The Roosevelt Park campus plans to work with the Mission again as they offer many opportunities to make a difference in the community. According to Cindy Boyd, Community Ministries Coordinator for the MRM, “you guys rock at Ross and we appreciate you abundantly!” It was a very rewarding experience knowing that the donated items were going to make a positive difference in many people’s lives through the good work of the Mission.
If you are interested in helping the Muskegon Rescue Mission, visit their website at http://www.muskegonmission.org/ or call them at (231) 727-6090.