As MerServe celebrates its 10th anniversary, The Den looks back at 10 projects that have helped define the student-led service leadership board.
1. Be a Good NeighBear
MerServe’s flagship service event, Be a Good NeighBear exemplifies Mercer’s commitment to serving with purpose. Since its launch in 2006, this annual fall tradition has brought together hundreds of students, faculty and staff for a day devoted to giving back to Macon and the surrounding community. Volunteers disperse across Middle Georgia, tackling service projects that address local needs while strengthening bonds between Mercer and its neighbors.
Participants collaborate with a diverse range of community partners, such as All About Animals Rescue, Brave Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, Brookdale Resource Center and the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church Outreach Garden, on projects ranging from environmental cleanups and facility beautification to supporting programs for children, families and animals.
More than a single day of service, Be a Good Neighear embodies MerServe’s mission to cultivate civic responsibility, empathy and ongoing community engagement, offering students a chance to make a tangible impact and develop a deeper appreciation for the city Mercer calls home.
2. Saturdays of Service
Extending the spirit of Be a Good NeighBear, Saturdays of Service provides monthly opportunities for Mercer students to serve throughout the academic year. Offered during the fall and spring semesters, these opportunities connect students with local organizations to meet evolving community needs, from building affordable housing and revitalizing public spaces to lending support wherever it’s most needed.
These recurring service mornings allow students to build lasting relationships with community partners and witness the ongoing impact of their efforts. By dedicating just a few hours on a weekend, participants strengthen Mercer’s belief that civic engagement is a continuous commitment, not a one-time event.
Upcoming 2025-26 Saturdays of Service are Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Jan. 10, Feb. 7, March 28 and April 11. Interested students, faculty and staff can sign up through BearPulse.
3. Lights On Afterschool
Part of a nationwide celebration highlighting the value of after-school programs, Lights On Afterschool shines a light on the role these programs play in supporting children, families and communities. Held annually in October, this year on Oct. 23, MerServe partners with local schools and after-school programs to create an afternoon of creativity, learning and fun.
Volunteers lead art projects, STEM activities and sports experiences designed to inspire curiosity, confidence and a love of learning. The event not only celebrates after-school programs but also strengthens Mercer’s partnerships with local schools, demonstrating how sustained service and educational enrichment foster meaningful community connections.
4. Fall Break for Service
For students seeking an alternative to travel home during fall break, Fall Break for Service offers an immersive, locally focused experience. Over several days, participants complete about 12 hours of service through projects that meet community needs and cultivate civic pride.
Each year, MerServe collaborates with a rotating group of community organizations, such as Mulberry Outreach, Shared Love, Georgia Native Plant Society and Macon Mental Health Matters. This program allows students to connect with peers and community leaders, gain insight into social issues, and witness how even a few days of dedicated service can make a meaningful impact, all at no cost to participants.
5. Thank Goodness for Food Bank Fridays
Addressing one of Macon’s most pressing challenges, Food Bank Fridays engages students in combating food insecurity. Volunteers partner with organizations like the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank and Backpack Buddies, assisting with food sorting, packing and distribution to families in need.
The monthly rhythm of this program fosters sustained engagement, enabling students to see the systems that combat hunger in action, build relationships with local nonprofits, and deepen their understanding of the economic and social factors shaping food access in the community.
6. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Each January, Mercer students honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a day of service that emphasizes action, reflection and community. Projects address real community needs, from neighborhood beautification and support for shelters to assisting programs serving youth and families, while encouraging dialogue about Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality and collective responsibility.
Participants also join the annual march to the Macon-Bibb County Government Center, a tradition that unites residents in celebrating Dr. King’s enduring message of unity and service.
7. Homelessness and Hunger Week
Observed in February at Mercer, Homelessness and Hunger Week raises awareness about food insecurity and housing instability, blending education, advocacy and direct service. The week includes panels featuring local leaders and nonprofit professionals, giving students insight into systemic causes of poverty and avenues for meaningful change.
Volunteers also support projects with partners like the Napier Heights Food Co-Op, Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia, and Brookdale Resource Center, including meal preparation, donation organization and outreach initiatives. This week underscores MerServe’s commitment to pairing learning with action to address critical community challenges.
8. Spring Break for Service
The mold for the fall break program, Spring Break for Service encourages students to dedicate part of their spring break to local engagement. Over three days, volunteers tackle projects ranging from environmental restoration and neighborhood beautification to youth programming and food access initiatives.
By staying local, students deepen their understanding of community challenges and strengths while forming meaningful connections with peers and partners. The program blends service, reflection and civic engagement, transforming traditional break time into an experience of purpose and impact.
9. Earth Month
Each April, Earth Month offers a full month of environmental engagement, allowing students to take action in support of sustainability and conservation. Activities include tending community gardens, planting native species, and supporting Macon-Bibb County’s Earth Day events, educating the public on recycling, conservation and sustainable practices.
These projects not only benefit the environment but also foster a greater appreciation for the connection between ecological health and community well-being.
10. Read for the Record
As part of United Way’s Read United initiative, Mercer students celebrate literacy by reading with elementary students across Macon in a one-day event. This program fosters a love of reading, strengthens literacy skills, and brings the joy of storytelling directly to young learners.
Are you interested in joining any of MerServe’s signature programs? Students, faculty and staff can visit BearPulse to explore volunteer opportunities, engage with community partners and participate in these hallmark service events. Staying connected ensures you never miss a chance to make a meaningful impact at Mercer, in Macon and beyond.
