Across the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg residents came together last weekend with one shared goal: to make their city a better place. The city’s annual Make a Difference Day on Nov. 8 encouraged volunteers to step up, give back and take pride in their community through hands-on service projects.
The day, led by the City of Hattiesburg, is part of a nationwide day of service that emphasizes the power of community action. Each year, volunteers from neighborhood associations, student organizations, churches and local businesses join forces to improve and beautify areas across the city.
“It’s not just enough to live here and not participate in the beautification and upkeep,” said Calvin Bogan, president of a local neighborhood association. “It’s a part of our duty because we live here.”
This year’s projects took place throughout Hattiesburg, ranging from small neighborhood cleanups to larger renovation efforts. Some volunteers helped refresh the playground at Eastside Park, pick up litter in the Parkhaven neighborhood or clear debris along the city’s disc golf trails. Others spent the morning sprucing up the grounds at Thames Elementary School, collecting canned goods for local food banks or covering graffiti downtown. Participants of all ages came together to make small but meaningful improvements.
“There’s parts of the city that you whine about all the time saying somebody should do something,” Bogan said. “You’re that somebody to do something. Get out, do, find something too. It’s always something for your hands to be involved in.”
The city’s Make a Difference Day has grown rapidly over the years, becoming one of Hattiesburg’s hallmark community events. Beyond cleaning up parks and public spaces, the event helps build stronger connections among neighbors and fosters a greater sense of civic responsibility.
City officials emphasize that community service projects like these go beyond physical improvements. They help residents feel more invested in where they live and create a ripple effect of positivity that lasts long after the day ends. They stress that events like Make a Difference Day show what can happen when people work together for the common good.
Those looking to get involved but unsure where to start can visit Volunteer USM, the University of Southern Mississippi’s platform for service engagement. The online hub connects students with community projects year-round, allowing them to log service hours and find opportunities that match their interests.
Volunteer USM partners with local organizations, nonprofits and city departments to promote civic engagement both on and off campus. Through the platform, participants can sign up for cleanups, mentorship programs, food drives and other service events throughout the Hattiesburg area.
As the city looks ahead to next year’s Make a Difference Day, organizers hope to see even more residents involved. The event may last just one weekend, but its impact continues throughout the year in cleaner streets, stronger neighborhoods and a renewed sense of community pride.
For those looking to get involved or track their volunteer hours, visit Volunteer USM for upcoming service opportunities.
