McNeese students have started a chapter of national service organization The Big Event dedicated to helping people of Southwest Louisiana.  

The Big Event is a one-day, student-run service project that started at Texas A&M in 1982. Forty-three years later, more than 100 universities in the U.S. and 75 more internationally participate in events that serve their communities. Students clean yards, paint houses, plant flowers, wash windows or help with small repair projects.  

Sophomore Andrew Dalton, president of the McNeese chapter, brought the organization to McNeese.

“We started [The Big Event] to bring a culture of thankfulness,” Dalton said. “When I first heard about it I got teary eyed because I feel it is exactly what McNeese needs.” 

The club plans to host two main service events each year: The Big Event, their large student-led service project in the spring, and a “mini Big Event”in the fall where the team serves a few residents as a way to prepare for the larger spring event. The spring event is set for April 18.

At McNeese, six different committees work to make this happen: programs, recruitment, donor relations, development, public relations and operations. 

Eli Lambert, a freshman and head of recruitment, said he joined because he wants to give back to Lake Charles.  

“I’ve grown up in [Lake Charles] my entire life,” Lambert said. “This is my home. I plan to stay here and start a life. I want to give back to the place where I have so many memories.” 

The club relies on donations to fund its volunteer projects.

Dalton said anyone can join the mission. 

“Anyone who can serve, McNeese, SOWELA, faculty, staff, dual enrollment, graduate students, alumni,” Dalton said. “We’re asking for one day out of the year to come help out someone.”