A host of LaGrange College students woke up early on Saturday morning, braved cold temperatures and headed out into the community for a service day in Calumet Village. The effort, which was organized in part by the Calumet Village Neighborhood Association as well as LaGrange College faculty, was a mutually beneficial day of service for both the students and the community.

Calumet Park has experienced a renewal in recent years, thanks in large part to strong internal leadership and a dedicated segment of the residents there who are willing to do what it takes to enlist positive momentum in the community.

In August of 2017, the Georgia Conservancy revealed a full-scale, five-part plan to revitalize the Calumet Village community. That plan was divided into four different areas of focus, namely character, recreation, commercial and housing. Since that time, the CVNA and the LaGrange City Council have partnered together to help bring that revitalization effort to life.

It is a positive sign to see LaGrange College working well with community members, and to see the community welcome students in with open arms. Such a sight is not the case in all communities, and is something in and of itself to be thankful for.

On days like Saturday, when college and community partner together, everybody wins.