Throughout the season, MCCN students stepped up to provide holiday cheer for others in a variety of ways.
In November, students from the Nursing 407 class taught by Erin Wilson, BSN, RN, prepared a Thanksgiving meal and served the children at the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus, located in the Franklinton neighborhood. The students had a wonderful time interacting with the children and staff, and left with joy-filled hearts from their experience.
Bethlehem on Broad Street
On Dec. 10, Christmas came early for people in Columbus who are homeless, residential and struggling poor, thanks to a collaborative effort. MCCN students, Deb Huff, APRN, BC, instructor, and Ellen O’Shaughnessy, D.Min., director of Campus Ministry joined forces with the Downtowners Campus Ministry and students from Columbus State Community College and Columbus College of Art and Design on Saturday to provide holiday cheer. Some of the people served said that this was their only real Christmas. Along with food boxes for 1,200 families, there was fun and festivity for children. The children enjoyed Christmas caroling, ornament making and face painting. Teen girls enjoyed the beautifully decorated headbands (designed by Deb herself), which also were in demand by mothers who wanted one, too!
Santa Claus and the Mighty Night Make Appearance at MCCN at Fairfield Medical Center
On Dec. 13, 2017, MCCN students at the Fairfield Medical Center campus celebrated the holidays with a party. Students showed their crafty side by making ornaments and played with stress-reducing foam. The MCCN mascot, Mighty Night, came for a visit, as well as Jolly Old Saint Nick. A great time was had by all!
Avondale Elementary School Gift Giving a Hit
On the morning of Friday, Dec 16, students, faculty and staff packed multiple cars with over 300 gifts for the girls and boys from Avondale Elementary School. The elves, along with Santa Claus, delivered gifts to each classroom and watched as the thankful boys and girls opened their presents. Columbus City Schools Superintendent, Dr. J. Daniel Good stopped by to witness the good cheer.
Peace and Understanding in the Face of Violence
On Monday Dec. 5, Ellen O’Shaughnessy, D.Min., director of Campus Ministry, invited students, faculty and staff to gather for conversation and sharing in response to recent violence on the campus of The Ohio State University. Everyone was shocked and saddened by the November 28 violence committed by a third-year OSU student, Abduir Artan, who drove his car into a crowd and subsequently stabbed 11 people. The incident ended when Artan was shot to death by an OSU police officer. In the conversation with Dr. O’Shaughnessy, Muslim students at MCCN wanted other students, faculty and staff to understand that this violent incident had nothing to do with the tenants of the faith of Islam. They noted that, although some people erroneously think that the Muslim faith inspires violence, the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, calls forth understanding and an end to division. MCCN student, Fadumo Jama-Aden, along with her sisters Wajiha and Hina Qadeer, recalled for the group what had been said less than two weeks earlier at the College's Interfaith Prayer Service on November 21 (at that service, Nicol Ghazi of the Noor Islamic Center and Fadumo spoke of peace and understanding as treasures of their Muslim faith). Fadumo with sisters shared with the group about the sorrow and hurt they felt following the violent acts at OSU. Fadumo said she went to Artan’s funeral in the mosque that she once attended. Everyone related that have the opportunity to share conversation and prayer was truly a blessing for all gathered. Fadumo, Wajiha and Hina were beautiful witnesses to peace and understanding.
