Posted on Thursday, January 06, 2022
Landon Baize ’08 of Senoia, Georgia, is a special-delivery man for people in need.
In 2020, he founded Baizebox – a nonprofit that provides care packages filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, a brush and/or comb, lotion and a pair of socks.
In December, he and fellow Panther Joey Merrifield ’07 returned to LaGrange to deliver 70 Baizeboxes to Broad Street Apartments, home of the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars Program. The students will help distribute the packages to local groups that help the homeless and people in need.
Baize said service is in his DNA.
“Growing up in Kentucky, I was taught by my parents to always be kind and helpful to others, regardless of their situation,” he said. “We were especially moved to help those with disabilities and special needs, those who were less fortunate and those who struggled with daily life.”
When Baize was in high school his family moved to Florida, where his parents continued to inspire him.
“My father, Mike Baize, created and ran a Challenger League, where kids with special needs and disabilities could play sports. They could experience being a part of a team, interacting with others, making friends and making long-lasting memories. I was able to coach, teach and spend time with some amazing people there.”
When he moved to LaGrange for college, he discovered a place that nurtured that love of service.
“I helped with the Hurricane Katrina cleanup, after-school programs and the Special Olympics,” he said. “But I felt there was something more I could do to help – something that would reach people on a personal level.”
He’s been volunteering with the Special Olympics of Henry County for more than eight years, as well as with the Kay Center in Fort Valley. It was through that work that he found his passion.
“I came up with a list of items that could benefit underserved communities, and started collecting them,” he said. “That’s how Baizebox was born. Our motto is ‘Helping Others by Delivering Smiles.’”
Everything in the boxes is donated.
“Family and friends have been very generous,” he said. “My dentist gave us toothbrushes and toothpaste, and you can get a lot at the dollar stores.”
Baize is taking only donated supplies for the boxes. No money, gift cards nor electronic payments are accepted.
“Anyone can help,” he said. “Feel free to call (270-831-0599), text or email me at lmbaize@gmail.com. You can also send me a message on the Baizebox Facebook page.”
His favorite part of the project is interacting with others.
“Of course, the pandemic has limited our face-to-face time, but knowing that we are making an impact in other people’s lives is such a blessing.”
He plans to do a Baizebox drive once a year and double the number of donations.
Jeff Lukken, Director of Servant Scholars, was on hand to assist Baize and Merrifield as they unloaded the boxes at Broad Street Apartments. He said he was very moved when Baize contacted him.
“Landon was so excited about coming back to his alma mater to share his ministry,” Lukken said. “He is a great example of what this college is all about – an ethical and caring community that values excellence, service, civility, diversity and inclusion, preparing students to become successful, responsible citizens who aspire to lives of integrity and moral courage.
“It is gratifying to see our alumni carry those lessons into their real lives,” he said.
With colder weather making a return this week, now is a good time to remind everyone about the college’s inclement weather notifications. The easiest way to find information regarding winter-related schedule changes is to sign up for Regroup, which will send a message by email, voicemail or text. Sign up here.
LaGrange College’s 3D Journeys Boston-themed series offers three complimentary lectures to enrich and inspire: “Boston’s Faneuil Hall: The ‘Cradle of Liberty;’” “Triple Play: Mathematics, Baseball and Board Games,” Feb. 28; and “The Tonic of Wildness: Boston Writers on City and Country” on March 28. Lectures begin at 10 a.m. at Callaway Auditorium. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. No food or drink is permitted. CDC guidelines will be followed.
Dr. Sharon Livingston, Associate Professor and Director of Assessment in Education, presented at the Georgia Association of Teacher Education conference this fall. Two graduates of LC’s Education Specialist program participated in the presentation.
Dr. John Tures, Professor of Political Science, had two articles published in the journal, Teaching and Learning Consortium Vol. 3. April. They were “From Model UN to ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’: Providing a Virtual Experience into International Organizations and Conflict” and “Shall We Play a Game?”
In the latest issue of Columns, Presidential Student Ambassadors provide a glimpse into the world of campus service. Learn more here.
Mark your calendars now for Homecoming weekend 2022, Oct. 7-9. Stay tuned for more details.
Check LC Connect for Virtual CE events and instructions. For in-person events, all COVID guidelines apply.
MONDAY
Effective Strategies for Changing Behavior, 12:15 p.m.
Multimedia room in Lewis Library
Women’s Basketball
The Panthers (8-5, 3-1 USA South) beat Wesleyan 84-26 in a USA South game Monday in Mariotti Gym. Gracie Brunel led all scorers with 19 points for LC.
Men’s Basketball
LC graduate Julian Cameron '21 is making an impact this season playing for Southern Wesleyan University. He is averaging 9.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11 games. Cameron scored 30 points in a recent win over King University.
CALENDAR
Saturday
Wednesday
Learn more about this year’s slate of 3D Journeys activities.
Category: Service, Students, Community
Keywords: Servant Scholar Landon Baize Baizebox
