As the holiday season approaches, students share how they volunteer and get involved in the community to give back to those around them.

Aledo city officials will host Aledo Fest Saturday, Oct. 19, in downtown, and this event helps kick-off fall season for Parker County, and students shared how community involvement in events like this impacts city members. Sophomore Reiloy Doyson said these events build community morale.

“I’m a big fan of just the vibe and how proud everyone is,” Doyson said. “I think [events are] important if you want to get involved like deeply involved with the community.”

Aledo Fest is one of three annual events celebrated in town and works to promote small businesses and features activities for kids of all age groups with live music.

Freshman Tam Nguyen said she volunteers around Fort Worth and she would be more involved in Aledo if there were more events and more advertisements.

“I don’t really know about any events that go on in Aledo,” Nguyen said. “[Events] bring a community together and build a sense of closeness in [an area].”

While he volunteers with Boy Scouts of America, freshman Jack Brummer said he enjoys getting involved in different organizations on campus like theater.

During homecoming, more than 200 community members joined the parking lot parade on Monday, Sept. 16, and the football stadium stands are packed with Bearcat fans who support the campus in what ways they can.

“I know a lot of people in Aledo are close,” Nguyen said. “That might be due to events.”