Written by Maggie Samples
The Harding clubs are hosting a yard sale Nov. 11 on the front lawn with all proceeds going to the domestic violence shelter Hope Cottage.
Beth Wilson, who works with the White County Domestic Violence Prevention Program, said this is the first campus-wide fundraiser the program has had. The program oversees the Hope Cottage shelter for abused women and children, several outreach and education programs and the Hope Restored thrift store.
“Creating an awareness is critically important,” Wilson said. “We feel like with participation in this yard sale, that many more students are going to get to know our staff, and they’ll get to know a little bit more about us and each other.”
Senior Shealyn Wade was the originator of the yard sale idea and decided to support the Domestic Violence Prevention Program after hearing that a portion of their funding had been cut.
“As I thought about what I could do, I wanted to reach as far wide as I could,” Wade said. “I wanted to raise awareness and support this wonderful organization while also growing relationships with people on Harding’s campus.”
Wade initially intended to only have one or two clubs participate in the fundraiser but decided to invite all of the clubs. She hopes the event will become a semi-annual event.
“I am viewing the yard sale as a house party where everyone is invited to chat, laugh and ponder grander things,” Wade said.
An anonymous donor has agreed to match the money made, up to 1,000 dollars, and all unsold items will be donated to Hope Restored.
Junior Layne Medler said she is looking forward to attending the event.
“I love a good yard sale and think that this one goes toward a great cause,” Medler said.
