Over 100 students from the Jackson State University class of 2028 woke up early on Saturday, August 17, volunteering their time to give back to the community. The JSU Office of Community Engagement hosted its bi-annual Crop Drop to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.

“The event serves as Thee community service event for new student orientation week and is the first time our freshmen are meeting the community,” said Dr. Heather Denne’, Director of Community Engagement. “In addition to getting fresh produce, the West Jackson community loves to see our students give back in meaningful ways.”

With the support of sponsors Jacobs, Central Mississippi Health Services Inc., Southern Echo Inc., and the Society of St. Andrew, the community service event provided 10,000 pounds of sweet potatoes to over 500 families. Volunteers also distributed hundreds of watermelons and cases of water.

Several volunteers from Jacobs assisted students during the giveaway. The engineering services company has been partnering with the university for a little more than a year. Jacobs is also assisting with engineering and operations services for the city of Jackson water systems. The representatives said they were excited to help make a difference.

“We know that Jackson State is the heart of this city, and we want to give back to this city and make a greater impact not only through engineering but also with contributions to the city,” said Strauder Patton, VP for Jacobs.

The highly anticipated event has become a staple in the West Jackson community. Hundreds of cars were lined up on the Robert Smith Parkway as early as 7:00 a.m. to receive the fresh produce.

“The Crop Drop really helps many of the seniors in the neighborhood who aren’t able to get out and about like they used to,” explained Melvina Deans, a lifelong resident of the Gowdy Washington Addition neighborhood. “I love it, and I like to see all the people coming out, and the neighborhood supports it.”

The students reciprocated the neighbors’ enthusiasm as they energetically engaged with the community members. Chicago native Zion Washington, a freshman psychology major, was enamored of his peers who dedicated their time to a worthy cause.

“This is why I came to Jackson State: because it’s heavily involved in servicing the ones around them, and I love being out here with the students and parents who want to come out and support us. Being able to impact someone else’s life is one of the most crucial aspects of living and service over self is one of the mottos that I live by,” Washington shared.

Carrington Tolbert is a freshman computer engineering major whose interest in community service peaked after volunteering for the Crop Drop.

“It’s fun to have to have all these people around, and I feel really blessed to have this opportunity,” said Tolbert, a Georgetown, Kentucky, native. “I’ve done community service here and there in the past, but not frequently. I think I’m about to start now because this was a blast.

Crop Drop is an important event that allows students to work together to provide fresh produce and engage with the surrounding community each semester.