Students Expand the Definition of Community with Giving Love Bags
On Friday, Oct. 4, as the early evening temperatures began to drop into the lower
50s, West Chester Borough Mayor Dianne Herrin joined more than 200 West Chester University
students in helping the homeless. Outside on WCU’s residential quad, the group sorted
personal hygiene items, snacks and groceries, facial tissues, gloves, hats, hand sanitizer,
and more, then filled reusable “care bags” with the donations, plus notes of encouragement.
The care bags were created for Giving Love Bags, Inc., a Philadelphia organization that hands out the bags and connects with those living on the city’s streets.
This is the ninth year that WCU students organized to engage our community of care and bring awareness to the issue of homelessness. More than 50 student and other organizations, plus individuals and companies, contributed items.
“I love this event,” said Justin Brown, resident director in Allegheny Hall, near which the event took place. “I love when the students take initiative and make this their own. I believe we do a great job in creating community here at WCU, but it I believe it has a greater effect when we can show the students how events like this connect us back to our global community.”
Five student groups performed to keep the momentum going as volunteers stuffed the care bags. The event lasted from 6 to 10 p.m. and was hosted by WCU’s office of Residence Life and Housing Services, WCU’s Resource Pantry, and Campus Recreation in collaboration with Giving Love Bags, Inc.
By the Numbers
161 registrants
200+ participants
Top speed: 125 bags made within 15 minutes
