The rain poured down on Friday, but it stopped just in time for the Love Sterling volunteers to complete their projects on Saturday. Approximately 335 Sterling College students, employees and community members came together to finish 35 projects in and around Sterling during the day of service. Projects included spreading mulch at the Sterling Grade School playground, landscaping, painting preparation, hauling wood and trimming or cutting down trees.

“The hard work and cheerful attitudes of those involved in Love Sterling never cease to amaze me! Though it was wet and muddy, I never once heard any complaining. It’s always such a joy for me to see so many students from many different areas of campus come together to serve our community as one,” said Erica Foss, executive assistant to the president for Sterling College.

Students and faculty contributed a total of 1,000 volunteer hours by the end of the day. The community and volunteers gathered for a celebratory dinner in the West Cafeteria, and Sterling College vocal groups performed during the meal.

“I love being a part of such a great day that really gets to show what it means to be a servant leader. It is such an important day to some of our community members who can't always go out and do their yard work and they are so grateful to have the Sterling students come and help them and do some of the yearly chores that they can no longer do,” said Kerry Balch.

In addition to the individuals who served, local businesses who contributed include Jacam, Bush Bush & Shanelec, Home Lumber, Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services and Tee 9 Designs.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.