Ohio Christian Partners to Serve Community

Ohio Christian University will hold its 21st annual Ralph C. Starkey Community Action Day on Oct 9. The event historically sends out over 400 students, faculty and staff into the community of Circleville and the surrounding area to serve those in need. This year, Ohio Christian has partnered with United Way of Pickaway County to expand the reach and scope by coordinating and bringing together the organizations individual efforts to serve the community.

Ohio Christian has traditionally held Community Action Day in the spring but switched to fall this year so the day would coincide with United Way’s Community Care Day. By combining the two events, the organizations hope to increase participation and improve logistics, which will allow them to serve more people across the county.

"The United Way of Pickaway County is honored to partner with the amazing students from our county high schools, Ohio Christian University, and others as a result of Community Action Day,” said Jama Cobb, interim volunteer executive director of United Way. “Philanthropy and volunteerism are at the very core of our organization's values and we are committed to working alongside our county youth in giving back to the community that has given us so much.”

The World Alliance for the Volunteer Economy (WAVE) will also return as an OCU partner for the event. WAVE is a non-profit collaborative that connects individuals with volunteer opportunities. Volunteers may then submit their volunteer hours to receive rewards.

“WAVE is elated to partner with Ohio Christian University on Community Action Day; our second time!” said Kristen Muzzy, president of WAVE. “The impact on the community and the students is remarkable and an expression of God's love at work. Being of service to others is the greatest gift and we are delighted to be a part of OCU who puts such emphasis on this with the student body.”

Ohio Christian is excited hold what it hopes to be the largest Community Action Day yet, and that enthusiasm is shared by its community partners.

“No matter the need or the circumstance, I am always amazed at how our community continues to rise to the occasion in support of its people,” Cobb said. “To those already signed up to support Community Action Day through volunteerism or are considering doing so, we thank you for donating your time and talents with us and hope to see you October 9th."