Love Midland, a nonprofit launched in 2023, is set to increase volunteer participation in Midland by connecting residents with local nonprofits, city projects, schools, and more. The organization will host a Kickoff Event on October 12, at Astound Stadium to bring the community together for a day of service and fun, according to Katie Summers, Executive Director of Love Midland.
The event will start at 8 a.m. with free breakfast for everyone who attends, thanks to partnerships with Chick-fil-A, Wall St, Rosa's, and Taco Villa. Activities will include jumpers and mini-golf for kids, and ax throwing for older attendees. Participants will also get to learn more about local nonprofits and agencies, and browse vendor booths.
At 9:45 a.m., guest speakers Dr. Stephanie Howard and Mayor Lori Blong will address the crowd before volunteers head out to their designated projects from 10 a.m. to noon, according to Summers.
“Volunteers range from skilled handymen to just lend a helping hand–there are projects for everyone at every level," said Sarah Marston, Love Midland Board of Directors.
Volunteers will take part in repairing, upgrading, organizing clothing, and making well-wish cards, among other tasks for 38 local organizations, including Thriving United, Midland Fire Department, Safe Place, and various local schools, according to Marston.
“Can you imagine what Midland can do if we all work together and volunteer two hours of time?," said Summers. “Growing the next generation of volunteers in Midland is vital to our community.”
Event sponsors include Frost Bank, Contango Resources, Southwest Royalties, Triple T Fence, Jones Brothers Dirt and Paving, and others.
This is the first large-scale volunteer event for Love Midland, but the organization plans to expand its reach in the future to continue fostering a culture of service in Midland. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, visit lovemidland.org or email admin@lovemidland.org