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by Jerri Whitner, Student Contributor

Recently, twelve Alice Lloyd College student-athletes put the ALC motto “A light unto the mountains” into action by visiting the nursing homes in Knott and Perry County. Led by Campus Ministry Coordinator, Mary Turner, and her student assistant, junior Bristol McGee, the athletes spent all day on Wednesday, August 1st handing out Alice Lloyd College t-shirts to the residents. They were also able to sit down and talk with the residents and workers which was truly a blessing to all who were there.

The experience led senior Brittney Buttrey to shed some tears and say, “It was both a heartwarming and humbling experience to be one of the athletes to give out Alice Lloyd t-shirts at both the Knott County and Perry County nursing homes. From this experience, I take away a new realization for the joy found in the simple things in life. As each resident received a shirt their smiles could light up a room and this really put into perspective what joy comes from even small acts of kindness.”

Others in the group were also moved such as Bristol McGee who states, “They told us over and over again how much they appreciated us even coming to visit them. Listening to the stories and the words of the men and women we visited really encouraged me and made me feel a strong sense of humility. It has also encouraged me to get more and more involved in projects such as these.” The ALC Campus Ministry organization is planning to return to the nursing homes throughout the coming months.

Mary Turner hopes that when school starts back that more students will volunteer with Campus Ministry and see that they are called to be, “God’s hands and feet, reaching those who are unable to go anywhere on their own.” A college that leads and serves is the vision that Mrs. Alice Lloyd had 100 years ago. She knew that through such eye-opening acts of service, leaders are made who are ready to tackle problems with kind hearts, experienced minds, and fierce determination.