WWU current and incoming students stuff buddy packs

4/24/2012 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

Each spring, students who plan to attend William Woods University in the fall attend an event called Woods 101. It is usually a time to register for classes, but this year, a community service component was added.
 
At an activity fair hosted by Admissions, students joined Pi Chi counselors in helping the Fulton community by stuffing 100 Buddy Packs.
 
Alma Schmidt of Central Christian Church is the true initiator of the philanthropy work.
 
"It started out with church members, and it's moved out into the community into the businesses and organizations," Schmidt said.
 
Each week, 255 backpacks are made and delivered to McIntire, Bartley and Bush elementary schools on Friday morning. Any child who receives a free lunch is eligible for a Buddy Pack.
 
"The Food Bank isn't able to supply these students due to the high number," Schmidt said. "This does help them with food for the weekend."
 
She added, "The community has been very supportive. It's been amazing all the phone calls I've gotten. Individuals churches, organizations, different clubs have come forward. Everybody is so willing to do something."
 
The William Woods University Panhellenic Council was one of the organizations that volunteered to help.
                                                           
Panhellenic President Jessie Brunelle said, "We wanted to have an activity to get prospective students involved with Greek life. By doing this service activity, it gave them a small look into what Greeks on our campus do."
 
Pi Chis, who act as counselors during the week of recruitment, helped set up tables with food and bags for incoming students to pack.
 
Lauren Billington, a Pi Chi, said she hoped incoming students would associate Greek life with philanthropy work.
 
"I hope they said to themselves, 'Oh, they are involved in Greek life and these are some of the good things that they are doing. If I get involved in this, then I will be able to do something.'"
 
Billington added, "Because it's something simple to do, but it means a lot to the community, it's just an easy way to have an impact."  
 
Shelby Lecuru, a senior at Jefferson City's Helias High School, said, "I wasn't expecting it. I felt that it was great. It's always cool to know that you're helping someone else."
 
Overall, Brunelle thought the experience was an eye-opening one as it benefited so many people. Combining two activities into one not only gave incoming students a chance to mingle, but helped feed needy elementary students in the process.
 
Sarah Munns, director of admissions, said, "We really wanted to perform a community service project with our incoming students this year, and we hope to make this an annual tradition.  It's great to be able to give back to the community."