The Importance of Giving Back – Serve Like Simmons

My name is Malachi Daniels, student writer at HSU, and community service is something that is near and dear to my heart. I believe it takes a village to raise a child and have witnessed this truth as a mentor at Wylie West Junior High and the Abilene YMCA. God did not design us to live this life alone, and anybody can have a positive impact on another. 

The act of giving not only affects the one receiving help but also the individual offering the support. These selfless actions can lead to the development of leadership, communication and teamwork skills. 

Serve Like Simmons 2025

Hardin-Simmons University’s Serve Like Simmons program granted students the opportunity to see firsthand how helping others can positively affect all individuals involved. 

On April 10, 2025, students at HSU joined together to serve the Key City through contributions to the Salvation Army, the Food Bank of West Central Texas, and the Abilene ISD Foster and Homeless Care Services Center. 

This unique experience brought awareness to the difficulties our residents face every day and cast a spotlight on the organizations that work year-round to give these citizens a better life. 

While helping fill backpacks with school supplies for the upcoming fall semester, my eyes were opened to the substantial number of homeless youth in our school systems. Thankfully, we have programs in Abilene that offer aid to these individuals so they can have an equal chance at academic excellence. 

As a community, we must strive to understand the circumstances others face and not be discouraged, but rather choose to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need. 

“Helping others isn’t a chore; it is one of the greatest gifts there is.” – Liya Kebede