Published on April 1, 2025 by Zac Fuller  
Students at Samford Gives Back

Samford Gives Back is an annual event where hundreds of students, employees and alumni unite to serve the Birmingham community. Working with different organizations across the city, Samford University volunteers cleaned, built, packed and performed countless other activities to fulfill Samford’s mission of fostering meaningful connections and collaborations with the people around us.

This year’s event took place on March 29, with 1,018 students supporting 51 organizations in the area. Debby Haralson, the director of Community Engagement, said she was amazed at the work our students accomplished. Haralson’s office also held their first faculty and staff service project, where they packed school supplies for local schools and clothing for nonprofits.

“We are thrilled to see so many students participate to serve,” Haralson said. “They are a true reflection of Samford’s commitment to community service and celebration."

Evan Olson, a junior studying biochemistry, attended the event to reflect the blessings the Lord has given him in his life. He thought the event was a huge success and a great opportunity for him and his fellow students to get directly involved in the community.

“This event gives students a perspective on the world around Samford, and it allows us to live out our faith. It’s a starting point for students to discover what God has called them to,” Olson said.

Stacie Person is the volunteer coordinator at Urban Ministry, a faith-based nonprofit in Birmingham’s West End. She thanked the Samford volunteers for their commitment and support during the event.

“The collective efforts not only made a significant impact on our community but also reaffirmed the power of collaboration and compassion.” Person said. “We are genuinely thankful for the time, energy, and care you put into making this experience such a success.”

Organizations and nonprofits impacted by Samford Gives Back include:

  • Birmingham Cross-Cultural Connections
  • Hearts in Hands Inc
  • Lakeshore Foundation
  • Greater Birmingham Humane Society
  • The Foundry Ministries
  • Community Care Development Network
  • Alabama Baptist Children’s Home
  • Friends of Shades Creek
  • Iron City Trykes/ Birmingham AMBUCS
  • Brookdale University Park
  • M-POWER Ministries
  • Grace Klein Community
  • Integrity Baptist Church
  • Family Connection, Inc.
  • Manufacture Good
  • Passport, Inc.
  • Project Noah Community Development Corp
  • The WellHouse
  • Urban Purpose
  • ELI Thrive
  • Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Birmingham South Chapter)
  • The Ministry Center at Green Springs
  • Sozo Children
  • The Red Barn
  • Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Inc.
  • Awaken Ministry
  • Community Neuroscience Fair
  • The Leaf Pantry and Community Garden
  • Irondale City Easter Eggs
  • Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers and Children
  • Canvasing Grant's Mill Crossing
  • The Urban Ministry
  • Firehouse Ministries
  • Alabama Wildlife Center
  • Hoover City - Hoover Met Complex
  • Christian Service Mission
  • The Community Kitchens Of Birmingham
  • Canvasing Grant's Mill Valley
  • Lovelady Thrift Store: Clay
  • Lovelady Thrift Store: Irondale
  • Hoover City - Veterans Park
  • Women's Missionary Union
  • Carver Jones Market
  • Episcopal Place
  • Smile-a-Mile
  • Pathways
  • Camp Fletcher
 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.