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Charity Begins at Home

Who says Hanover students aren't creative when it comes to finding ways to raise money for worthy causes? This semester, students took on some simple and interesting ways to help others in need.

Three student organizations – Phi Delta Theta, Community Stewardship Initiative and People for Peace — collaborated to raise funds for charities by smashing old cars. Set in the open field between Lambda Chi Alpha and Phi Delta Theta, the Thetas added a little school rivalry to the event by painting their car with Franklin colors. It was their way of preparing for the Victory Bell game between our two colleges.

Proceeds from the smash went to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. The Community Stewardship Initiative and People for Peace took their turn on their own old car. Proceeds from this car smash went to building schools in Uganda. Seniors Liz Otte (Crothersville, Ind.) and Mike Ripley (Fort Wayne, Ind.) took the initiative to get this event underway.

Though the 20+ students only raised $85, the event had other benefits. "The best part was seeing everyone relieve some frustration in the name of charity," said Ripley, who reported that the total amount would go toward building schools in Uganda, rather than splitting the amount as originally planned.

Otte offered praise for the students' altruistic sentiments. "The men of Phi Delta Theta were great," she said. "Since we raised so little money, they said to give it all to our charity (Uganda) because they just wanted the money to make a difference."

She added that the students chose Uganda after viewing the  documentary "Invisible Children" last year. The film shows the plight of child soldiers and children in general in war-torn Uganda. "People were really affected and we wanted a way to help," said Otte. She added the groups hope to do the event again next year.

Other charitable endeavors:

  • Education students decided to raise money for Heifer Project International, an organization that provides, among other initiatives, farm animals to low-income families toward a sustainable food source and income. Calling their effort, "Giving Your Change to Make a Change," the money will go to provide a goat to a family or families in Haiti and will help spread literacy beyond our national borders.
  • These students have given their extra change and some are spreading the word to their Greek houses and living units and collecting money in the mailroom. The project relates to the children's book "Beatrice's Goat," which tells the story of a little girl who was able to go to school and learn to read because of the money provided to her family from owning a goat (provided by Heifer Project). This particular little girl was eventually able to come from Africa to the U.S. for her college education.
  • The women of Chi Omega have a goal of raising $6,000 this year for their national philanthropy the "Make a Wish Foundation." Six thousand dollars is the required amount to sponsor a wish for a child, so they would like to raise enough money to grant a child's wish this year.