Liberty Campus builds connection through compassion and community support 

This fall, Georgia Southern University’s Liberty Campus demonstrated its commitment to community engagement by participating in two events that benefited local children and families. 

In October, staff members took part in the City of Hinesville’s annual Scarecrow Stroll, a Halloween celebration offering free games, candy and prizes to hundreds of children and their families, by hosting a booth along Sensory Central in front of the Liberty Campus. Sensory Central is a designated space created especially for children with sensory-related needs. 

The welcoming, low-stimulation environment allows children and their families to enjoy the festivities in a way that feels safe, comfortable and inclusive. Visitors to the Liberty Campus booth participated in friendly games of giant Connect Four, while staff distributed soft building blocks to reinforce the theme of building community connections. 

“I believe it is better to give than receive,” said Brenda Douglas, campus operations coordinator. “Giving back to children who would not otherwise be able to participate in the Scarecrow Stroll due to their sensory needs is a blessing. A merry heart is good medicine.”

In December, Liberty Campus also contributed to the Brighter Christmas Initiative for the second consecutive year by donating and assembling 100 personal hygiene bags containing essential items for middle and high school students enrolled in the program. 

Sponsored by the Liberty County School System, the Brighter Christmas Initiative provides holiday support to students under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Local churches, community groups, individual sponsors and area businesses partner with the school system to support eligible families. This year, 69 families with 138 students benefited from the event. 

“This is the second year that we’ve been able to work with Liberty Campus staff to provide something the students truly need,” said Pamela Farrie, lead school social worker for Liberty County Schools. “I really appreciate their continued involvement with us.”

Together, these efforts reflect Liberty Campus’s dedication to Georgia Southern’s strategic mission of fostering meaningful community partnerships that extend far beyond the classroom and into the lives of those it serves.