MACON, Ga. – Friday was supposed to be a day to celebrate the end of another successful year at Mercer University. However, due to the tornadoes that ripped through middle Georgia on Sunday the Mercer Staff Council has opted to help victims by not only donating funds budgeted for their annual picnic, but also by volunteering their time Friday afternoon to help storm victims.
Friday’s annual staff picnic, sponsored by the Staff Council, was cancelled and the $3,200 designated for food will be donated to the local Salvation Army to assist with relief efforts. Additionally, the Mercer Engineering Research Center at Warner Robins has also canceled its picnic for next week and will donate another $800.
“All nine Macon representatives voted to donate the funds and coordinate volunteer efforts. We all agreed it is the right thing to do,” according to Diane Lang, administrative assistant to the Dean of Students and chair of the Staff Council.
Taking the effort to the community one step further, Mercer President William D. Underwood has approved administrative leave time Friday afternoon for Mercer staff who want to volunteer their time to assist those affected by the storm. The Mercer Human Resources Office is coordinating efforts to assign volunteers and identify members of the community, including fellow Mercerians, who may need assistance.
Mercer has 890 faculty and staff members who work on the Macon Campus.
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