I’m really impressed with how the entire campus community responded and really want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all that donated to drive.
Bridgewater State University’s Sociology Club asked the campus to help spread the spirit of meaningful giving this holiday season.
No surprise, the BSU community responded. Big time.
The club re-organized just last year and one of the first things on its agenda was to host a winter-gear drive to benefit Rosie’s Place, a Boston-based women’s shelter. The BSU community donated more than 100 coats and sweaters to the cause.
“As this is our first full year being back in existence, we are pretty new and weren’t sure how much response the drive would get across campus,” said faculty advisor and sociology professor, Meghan Murphy.
It wasn’t long before donations began arriving in droves.
“When we started seeing bags of clothes in the boxes put out for collections, followed by more bags, and more bags, were very impressed with the number of people who wanted to help,” said Vice President of the club, Bethany Dumont, ’20.
The donated items will benefit women and children who are experiencing housing insecurity. Some of the women have left difficult situations, including domestic violence, and arrive at Rosie’s Place with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing.
“We wanted to donate to this group because it’s an important cause to support, especially around the holidays,” Bethany said.
Because the drive was so successful, the club will look to organize it again next year.
If this sounds like fun, the Sociology Club is also on the lookout for new members.
“Our goal is to try and have impactful events on campus, and spread awareness on different topics related to sociology,” Bethany said. “It’s a great way to interact with individuals who are accepting.”
After watching the club evolve and its efforts to host this year’s successful drive, Murphy said she is enthusiastic.
“I’m really impressed with how the entire campus community responded and really want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all that donated to drive,” she said. “Recognizing the things we as a campus can do...it’s a great feeling and we are already looking forward to organizing it again next year.”
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