Association of Office Professionals
Community Service
Page Content
Service to the surrounding community is one of AOP’s fundamental objectives. The organization currently engages with the community through the following projects.
Current Initiatives
Cards of Caring
Human caring is essential to mental health. During the holiday isolation, a lack of interaction can be especially harmful. To avoid this, we reach out each year to seniors and veterans in our community to let them know we care about them, especially during the holidays.
As in years past, AOP members will be filling out and sending cards to area care homes in Fall 2025, and USM's campus community is invited to join. At the Hattiesburg campus, blank cards can be found in foyer of Cook Library from Dec. 1-Dec. 8; at the Gulf Park campus, cards can be picked up from Dr. Mary Maner.
Snacks for Support
Now Accepting Donations
Imagine having to undergo grueling chemotherapy. You are scared. You may be alone. You are faced with many unknowns. Will chemo help you? Will it make you sick?
One way we can show our support is through a donation to the Forest General Cancer Center Snack Fund. The Forest General Cancer Center provides free snacks to those undergoing treatment. At a time of unpleasantness, patients of the Cancer Center receive the pleasant surprise of a cookie or chips to nurture them physically and emotionally and distract them from what otherwise can be a stressful and debilitating experience. Help us support this wonderful initiative that shows those undergoing treatment that their community cares about them. This small gesture might be the only good thing in a patient’s day.
Ongoing Initiatives
USM Food Pantries
Help combat food insecurity any time by donating to one of our campus pantries.
Hattiesburg Campus Pantries
Eagle's Nest Food Pantry
Located at the R.C. Cook University Union in Room 220.
Open on Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information call (601)266-4025 or visit their website.
Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering, you can pick up an information packet or email
eaglesnestFREEMississippi.
Donate
Amazon Wish List
Donations to the Eagle's Nest Food Pantry can also be made through The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation.
Wesley Foundation Pantry
Located at 3200 Montague Blvd., Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
Indoor and outdoor pantries.
Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information email usmwesley@gmail.com or visit their website.
Donate
Amazon Wish List
Walmart Wish List
Gulf Park Pantry
Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Located at 730 East Beach Boulevard, Hardy Hall 236, Long Beach, MS 39560
For more information call (228)214.3249, email gpstudentaffairsFREEMississippi, or visit their website.
Donate
The pantry accepts donations of food and supplies in Hardy Hall 236.
Past Initiatives
Mississippi Coastal Cleanup ProgramAs an opportunity for our Gulf Coast members, AOP joined efforts to clean and beautify the Mississippi Gulf Coast during Fall 2025 by participating in the annual Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Project. |
 |
Homebaked for the Holidays
|
 |
Cans for Collegiates Campaign
|
|
Blessings in a BackpackBlessings in a Backpack supports international students at Southern Miss with backpacks and school supplies. |
 |
Coats for Comfort
|
 |
Cards of CaringHuman caring is essential to mental health. During the holiday isolation, a lack of interaction can be especially harmful. To avoid this, we reach out each year to seniors and veterans in our community to let them know we care about them, especially during the holidays. |
|
The Big Event
|
|
Embracing Our Elderly
|
|
Resources for Finding Volunteer Opportunities
Center for Community Engagement
Need Our Help?
If you have a community service event you would like our committee to help staff or need help publicizing your community service, let%20us%20know. We are here to help each other.