JSU’s Office of Community Development shines bright in 9th Crop Drop, serving hundreds in need

March 25, 2024
First Lady Latoya Thompson connects warmly with JSU students during the Crop Drop '24 event, where they shared smiles and distributed fresh bags of sweet potatoes to the community. (Charles A. Smith/University Communications)

By Aron Smith

(JACKSON, Miss.)—On Saturday, March 23, nearly 30 students from Jackson State University dedicated their time to supporting their local community through its JSU Crop Drop event. Now in its ninth iteration, this initiative successfully distributed food supplies, including 1,000 bags of sweet potatoes, 500 bags of collard greens, and 1,000 cases of water, providing critical aid to those in need.

Latoya Thompson joined JSU students and other volunteers as they shared smiles and distributed fresh bags of sweet potatoes to the community. (Charles A. Smith/University Communications)

JSU’s First Lady, Latoya Thompson, praised the students, noting, “I enjoyed seeing the students’ enthusiasm as they fellowshipped with each other and served the community. Being part of JSU, a school prioritizing giving back and fostering a sense of responsibility in its students, makes me incredibly proud.”

Heather Denne’ showcases fresh produce from a community garden with pride. (Charles A. Smith/University Communications)

Heather Denne’, director of the Office of Community Development, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the dual benefits of Crop Drop. “It is a win-win situation,” she stated. “The community receives much-needed groceries to help them through the month while our students gain community service hours, witness the community’s needs, and find fulfillment in being part of the solution.”

The West Jackson community members thank JSU student volunteers for their dedication and support. (Charles A. Smith/University Communications)
JSU students and volunteers teamed up to distribute produce to the hundreds of cars that participated in the Crop Drop event. (Charles A. Smith/University Communications)

Hundreds of cars lined Pearl Street, which was filled with residents ready to receive fresh produce. This bi-annual event has steadily grown in popularity, with many attendees marking their calendars for each Crop Drop and maintaining its popularity as a cherished community tradition.

Derykah Watts reflects on her favorite moment from Crop Drop ’24 of a resident walking up from her home to dance along at the event. (Aron Smith/University Communications)

Jackson native Melonie Henry shared her experience packing sweet potatoes, highlighting the communal effort. “While my focus was on packing potatoes, I was touched to see so many others coming out to support their neighbors,” she said. “It’s a reminder of the strong sense of community here and inspires me to do even more for the people around me.”

Derykah Watts lights up when sharing her enthusiasm for community service at Crop Drop. (Charles A. Smith/University Communications)

The event also provided valuable experience for students like Derykah Watts, a senior history major. “I’ve participated in the crop drop three times now, and I love it. It’s a great way to earn volunteer hours and give back to my community,” she said.

Denne’ envisions expanding the Crop Drop to become a cornerstone of JSU’s first-year orientation week, introducing incoming first-year students to the importance of community service. “I see this expanding and helping new students get a feel for community service. I’d love us to distribute watermelons and more freebies because who doesn’t love free stuff? We aim to grow this initiative,” she shared, outlining her hopes of impacting the future of the Jackson community.