Sophomore Kaitlyn LeBlanc and Senior Kelly Liles clean up around Black Creek at the Big Event Saturday morning.- Printz Archive

The Student Government Association will gear up for volunteer project “The Big Event” on Saturday at 8 a.m. to contribute their time to service in the Hattiesburg area.

“The Big Event is a day to celebrate the city of Hattiesburg through service,” said Matt Balcer, SGA executive director of events. “We currently have over 800 students signed up to serve (across the city).”

According to WDAM, The Big Event began at Texas A&M University and spread across the nation, first coming to Southern Miss five years ago. 

“It’s one event, but you want (students) to get this thing in their head that says, you know, I want to go back there, I want to serve in a different way, I want to be able to go back and make a long-term investment,” Associate Dean of Students Wynde Fitts said. 

There are over 20 organizations involved, with service locations being varied from Southern Pines Animal Shelter, The DREAM of Hattiesburg and Wesley Manor to Venture Church and Parkway Heights.

“There has to be at least one representative from each student organization on campus,” Balcer said. 

“The team has been working very hard on (The Big Event). Director Elena Lofton and assistant directors Blake Dunaway and Gabrielle Munn have been working on this since last semester, so we’re all very excited to see it finally happening.”

Registration for the event is currently closed.