Today@Sam Article

Top 10 Ways To Give Back This Fall

Oct. 30, 2019
SHSU Media Contact: Wes Hamilton

Story By: Mikah Boyd

Here at Sam Houston State University, service is key and there are plenty of opportunities for students, faculty and staff to get involved in various service projects to benefit the community. With the holiday season right around the corner, now is the best time to give back and help those in need.

1. Spooktacular Breakfast, Oct. 31

Staff Council is hosting their annual Spooktacular Breakfast on Thursday, October 31 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the LSC Orange Ballroom. The breakfast is Staff Council’s largest annual event, with around 400 staff members in attendance every year. “We ask for donations to the SAAFE House and the SHSU Food Pantry as part of Staff Council’s effort to support the university motto ‘A measure of a Life is its Service,’” Candace Prater, special events committee co-chair, said. There will be a costume contest, with judging held at 10 a.m. and a photo booth for group pictures and selfies. 

 2. Christmas Care Packages for Soldiers, Oct. 31

The Veterans Resource Center and the Collegiate Veterans Association is teaming up with H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum of Texas to collect items to send to service members that will be overseas this holiday season. Everyone is encouraged to donate to the Veterans Resource Center of the H.E.A.R.T.S. museum by October 31. Please donate baby wipes, hand sanitizer, drink packs for bottled water, beef jerky, trail mix, powder, tooth brush/paste, playing cards, dominoes, magazines, stress balls, non-melting snacks, floss, hard candy. Priority boxes are free at the post office and it costs $7.95 to send them.

3. Sam Camp, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Nov. 21

The Department of Kinesiology is seeking volunteers to work with kids with disabilities during the Sports and Movement (SAM) Camp. The camp allows children with special needs to interact with others through fun, physical activities. The activities help the kids make new friends and learn how to play various sports. For more information, contact Dr. Min Kim at mxk056@shsu.edu.  

4. Bearkat Service Break: Galveston Bay Foundation, Nov. 1-3

Leadership Initiatives and Bearkat Service Break are teaming up with the Galveston Bay Foundation to host a hands-on service project and address habitat restoration. The event will take place in League City and application costs $25, which covers transportation, lodging and most meals. There is a limited amount of spots available for this trip, apply early. 

5. Tree of Hope, Nov. 4

The Department of Leadership Initiatives has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Walker County to bring joy to children in the community through the eighth annual Tree of Hope event. Students, faculty and staff are all able to stop by the Leadership Initiatives office to select a gift to brighten a child’s holiday season. The wide price range of gifts makes it easy for college students to give while on a budget. “Some choose to buy a pair of socks while others choose a larger item such as a bicycle. We also allow larger gifts to be donated from a group of people such as a student organization,” Emily Snider said. The final day to bring the gifts will be Friday, December 6.

6. Texas Arbor Day, Nov. 7

Landscape Services and Leadership Initiatives invite students, faculty, and staff to join them for a tree-planting event held in honor of both Texas and Sam Houston Arbor Day. Students are encouraged to get involved and leave their mark by planting a tree on campus.  The event will be held on-campus from 2-4 p.m. “This event occurs every fall and spring for two hours. If you cannot attend Arbor Day this semester, we would love for you to join us in the spring,” program specialist, Emily Snider said. For more information and to register for the event, visit their website.

7. Night for BAWA, Nov. 7

The Sam Houston Association for Medically Oriented Students (SHAMOS) is hosting a fundraiser for the BAWA Health Initiative at Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant. This initiative strives to provide sustainable medical resources to the village of Bawa in Cameroon, Africa. Tickets for the event cover your meal and the remaining proceeds support the Bawa Initiative, there will be a silent auction for different gift baskets as well. There is limited availability for this event, so RSVP on OrgLINK or contact mnb044@shsu.edu to secure your spot.

8. Roy Grieve Memorial Mutt Strut, Nov. 9

Kats and K9s for Military Heroes invites students and community members to take their pups for a walk at Bowers Stadium in order to raise money for service dogs for veterans. There will be a costume contest for those interested, registration is only $25 and includes an event t-shirt. Registration for the event starts at 8:30 a.m. and the event itself starts at 9 a.m.

9. People and Pets Food Drive, Nov. 21

Staff Council is hosting a food drive for people and pets for the SHSU Food Pantry and the Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter. The department that donates the most food will receive breakfast. Bring donations to the Staff Council booth in the LSC Mall Area between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

10. SHAMOS Blood Drive, Nov. 19 

The Sam Houston Association for Medically Oriented Students is hosting a blood drive between the Life Sciences Building and the Chemistry and Forensic Sciences Building from 12-4:30 p.m.

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