South Cumberland Plateau AmeriCorps members came together on Oct 28, 2023, in recognition of Make a Difference Day, to proudly participate as a community partner in Mountain T.O.P.’s annual Fall Festival, helping to provide shoes, coats, winter gear, and boots for children and families across the South Cumberland Plateau.
“...2,000 books. 840 pairs of socks. 287 lunches. 232 coats. 228 pairs of shoes. 157 hats. 96 pairs of gloves. Uncountable joy. In one day, our Fall Festival had a total amount of $43,567.40 of economic investment into our pocket of Appalachia. Our work was sustained by 28 Mountain T.O.P. volunteers, in addition to 12 community agencies that brought 32 community volunteers. None of this could be done without the countless number of dedicated ministry supporters. We are eternally grateful for the amount of community, fun, and fellowship that was seen within our camp gates.” - Mountain T.O.P.
The AmeriCorps State and National program is a federally funded service grant that supports community-based service initiatives. The University of the South hosts the SCP AmeriCorps program here on the South Cumberland Plateau to improve people's lives in rural Appalachia.
AmeriCorps members Peter Haight ‘24 and Ellanna Swope ‘26 MES Choir
SCP AmeriCorps members distributed blankets, toys, candy, and games to children and families at this year's Fall Festival event. They supported their partner organizations by engaging with families and promoting each organization's mission. Our members, Ellanna Swope and Peter Haight, who together direct the Top of the Rock Choir at Monteagle Elementary School, brought guitars to encourage children to interact with instruments. Haley Simpson distributed anti-drug material with the Grundy Safe Communities Coalition, a non-profit that engages teens and young adults in alternative activities and education to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and drug misuse. Sharon Turner assisted Discover Together by providing interactive crafts and activities for preschool children. Georgia Fleming helped BetterFi, a non-profit organization aimed at improving financial literacy through financial coaching and alleviating the burden of low-income individuals trapped by predatory loans. Service members also helped Mountain T.O.P.’s initiative to provide low-income families with shoes and winter gear and were humbled by the many community members who attended this year's event seeking goods and services offered by the participating organizations. SCP AmeriCorps looks forward to continuing to come together to support organizations like Mountain T.O.P. to make a difference in the communities they serve.
AmeriCorps member Georgia Fleming ‘24 at the BetterFi booth
AmeriCorps is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nation's most pressing challenges.
