Everywhere needs help. That’s the motivation prompting Rebecca Moses, a UTM freshman from Chapel Hill, to volunteer during the 21st annual Santa’s Village in Martin.

Countless volunteers of all ages help make Santa’s Village happen each year. Youth groups, college organizations and the adults who supervise them provide a lot of “sweat equity” as the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex is transformed into a winter wonderland.

The event is slated for 6-9 p.m., Dec. 8-9; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Dec. 10; and 1-5 p.m., Dec. 11 on the UTM campus. Opening ceremony is set for 5:45 p.m., Dec. 8. Co-sponsors for the event are Martin Parks and Recreation, the C.E. Weldon Public Library and UTM. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 worth of nonperishable foods and/or toys.

Dr. Joey Mehlhorn, UTM associate professor of agricultural economics, urges his students to help by giving extra credit to volunteers, but students seem to view service to Santa’s Village as more than something they can do to help themselves.

Moses, for instance, brought with her to college a sense of service to others, having volunteered as a high school student in organizations such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America, Beta Club and others. “I really enjoy getting together with everyone else to help,” said Moses. And, noting that this is her “adopted” community, she added, “We still need to help.”

Becky Dykes, a transfer student from Dyersburg, also has assisted with charitable efforts in her hometown. Dykes said she has lived in Martin since June and is looking forward to becoming involved in community activities. The best part for her will be “seeing all the people being really excited and know that I helped. Everyone does Santa’s Village. It’s a lot of fun.”

Freshman Ryan Pope of Yorkville, and Cody Powell of Mt. Juliet, are new to the Santa’s Village experience. “It will help the little kids celebrate the holiday,” said Pope. “Some may not have the opportunities that other kids do.” Powell added that it is good experience to help and pointed to the food drive as an important part of the effort.

Dr. James Butler Jr., UTM associate professor of agricultural education, spoke about another group of volunteers. “UTM Collegiate FFA usually provides Santa’s Village volunteer student workers and particularly Santa Clauses. Many of our students seek out the opportunity to participate in this very worthwhile community activity.”

“A couple of years ago, I took a week of vacation to help with the setup,” said Taylor. “It was amazing to go into the empty arena and, in just a few days, see a wonderful world of delight for the eyes. I love to see the looks on people’s faces when they step inside for the first time. I am always amazed by the generosity of those who come and visit.

“As a volunteer over the years, I have had the great fortune of meeting people who share the desire to help others. Everyone involved has a deep care and commitment to their fellow man. The spirit of helping is contagious and being involved with something like this makes you glad you can catch it.”

Taylor said the scouts “take pride in doing their best.” He added, “Scouts are taught about citizenship from the minute they put on the uniform . . . and those who make it to Eagle Scout learn to make it a part of their lives. I have some older scouts that come back to see what’s accomplished each year. Some of them fondly recall the service they were able to give the community.”

Service agencies that will split the donations this year include: Northwest Tennessee Economic Development Council, Obion County American Red Cross, We Care Ministries, Santa’s Helpers and Chimes for Charity. This year, those agencies plan to assist more than 1,571 families.

Santa’s Village includes lights, holiday displays and continuous entertainment. Among features are a giant poinsettia tree, horse-drawn wagon rides, Jingle Bell Square, with miniature shops, a skating pond and gazebo, an 8-foot snow globe, Frosty the Talking Snowman, MTD train display, Clifford the Big Red Dog, horse-drawn wagon rides, the Silver Bell Carillon Tower, erected with 2006 canned foods and 54 arts and crafts booths.

Sponsors of the event to date, include: Volunteer Community Hospital, University Plaza of Tenn., Hamilton-Ryker, Rural King, First State Bank, Greenball, Inc., E.W. James and Sons Grocery, MTD Products, Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., First Choice Rentals, Puckett Lumber Company, Office Products, Southern Source and Suiter’s Clean and Shine.

For more information about Santa’s Village, contact Martin Parks and Recreation Department at 731-587-6784.