Members of Student Ministry Council stop and share the food item collection with Jodi Reiners from the Mitchell Caring Closet. Photo from Facebook.

In one week, the outreach team of the Student Ministry Council at Dakota Wesleyan University—DWU, in Mitchell, South Dakota, held two events, reaching hundreds of people and raising hundreds of dollars for the Mitchell Caring Closet.

One of the goals of the Student Ministry Council this year is to connect the DWU campus community with the Mitchell community. Two events, a corn hole tournament and Trek or Treat at DWU, did just that.

Kaitlyn Christensen, from Mitchell, South Dakota, and Alexis Alexandria, from Brandon, South Dakota, are new to the campus ministry team this year. They are part of the outreach team working to connect DWU students and people in the Mitchell community. Kaitlyn coordinated the corn hole tournament. Alexis led the trek or treat event.

Corn Hole Tournament

Twenty-nine teams came to the Sherman Center on the DWU campus to play corn hole. Two opposing teams faced off with several cornhole games happening at the same time. When you lost, you were eliminated until a winner was named.

The real winner was the Mitchell Caring Closet. More than 182 food items were collected and $350 in cash. Teams had an entry fee of cash and/ or a food donation.

Mitchell School District Caring Closet provides clothing, hygiene products, household items for students, appropriate attire and footwear for the changing seasons, job interviews, or graduation. There is also a collection of backpacks, food items, and instructional videos for cooking food. 

“I got the word out by talking to people on campus, social media, and partnering with Mitchell Fusion,” said Kaitlyn. “I was worried at first that we wouldn’t have enough teams, but as it got closer, there were a lot of teams. It worked out well. God had a hand in things.” 

There were prizes for first, second, and third place in the cornhole tournament. There was also a prize for the team with the most canned items. 

A mom and her child pose for a photo with the DWU Tiger. Photo by Doreen Gosmire.

Trek or Treat at DWU

There were 400-600 children and family members dressed in costumes flooded into the Wellness Center at DWU. They wandered from one decorated station or area to another and experienced a connection with the DWU and Mitchell community.

The event was scheduled outdoors in the green space on campus. Cold temperatures and forecasted snow moved the event indoors to the Wellness Center. 

People could have their photo taken with the DWU cheerleaders, have a light saber battle with the college wrestling team, shoot hoops with the Tiger basketball players, kick a soccer ball with the DWU soccer players, and check in with the college baseball, volleyball, and track teams. 

As people wandered through the Wellness Center, they found Mitchell School District handing out books, a chance to connect with Mitchell Technical Institute and the Army National Guard.

Mitchell Fusion had four stations: one, led by children’s ministries, was like a visit to a national park; another area that young adults led was like a visit to Starbucks, another area had a Toy Story theme, and a festive table decorated by parents with young adults and no children at home.

DWU Campus Ministry fast-forwarded their display, treats, and connection to Christmas. They were sharing the story of Jesus’ birth and spreading Christmas cheer. 

“I reached out to all the sports tournaments and people in the community. I sent out e-mails. I also visited coaches in their offices. I called people in the community, like the National Guard, Mitchell Technical Institute, and Mitchell School District. Fusion also partnered with us,” said Alexis. "I have always loved Halloween and this was a way to celebrate with campus ministry."

The event was free, but people were encouraged to bring a food item for the Mitchell Caring Closet. About 250 food items were collected. 

Families walked away with new connections, smiling faces, and bags full of candy.

What’s next?

Kaitlyn and Alexis are anxious to plan the next outreach events. They hope to do some things before Christmas. 

“I can’t wait for Sunday night when we get together with our team,” said Alexis.

“We already have a couple of ideas for our next events,” said Kaitlyn. 

The two campus ministry leaders, Revs. Anthony Purcell and Taryn Ragels are impressed with the work of the students and their passion. 

“They are on fire with ideas,” said Pastor Anthony.

“What impresses me the most is that both activities this week are totally student-led. The students are making a difference,” said Pastor Taryn. 

View a photo album of Trek or Treat: