Written by Gina Cielo
Many social clubs atHardingare participating in service projects to deliver joy and Christmas spirit to the Searcy community.
At this time of year, many children and families in Searcy are in need of food, clothing and even just a little Christmas cheer. With the help of some Harding social clubs, these families will get just that.
Ju Go Ju, a women’s social club, centered their service projects around those in need. The club joined withCollege Church of Christto provide coats to children who don’t own one. Many families showed up and were given a gift that would last them the whole season.
“I didn’t realize how many people would be cold this winter,” said Emily Sansom, service project director for Ju Go Ju. “It was heartwarming to have a hand in providing children with something that will last them all winter.”
The social club also adopted a five-person family and sent Christmas cards to a five-year-old boy,Noah Biorkman, who was battling cancer. Biorkman is not expected to live through Christmas, so his mother decided to celebrate Christmas early.
The only thing he asked for was Christmas cards, and with the help of Ju Go Ju, he received just that. He received over one million Christmas cards from people all over the world before passing away in late November.
Zeta RhoandPi Theta Phialso helped the community recently. These clubs joined together to put on a basket auction.
Girls from both clubs made goodie baskets full of items such as food, winter gloves and coffee. The baskets were then auctioned off to students in the student center.
The money received from the baskets went toJacob’s Place, a homeless shelter located in Searcy. The shelter provides a haven for families to spend as much time needed to get back on their feet.
Zeta Rho contributed about 10 to 15 baskets to the project, and Pi Theta Phi also donated about 15. The baskets were sold at much higher prices than what was spent to buy the included items. One basket sold for $75.
“The students could have easily bought those items themselves for cheaper, but they choose to help a good cause,” said Nicole Guillo, service project director for Zeta Rho.
Other social clubs at Harding intend to help the community in various ways. Social clubReginawill going caroling to bring Christmas spirit to families in Searcy.Ko Jo KaiandChi Omega Piwill purchase presents to give to students at the Sunshine School.
“Harding’s social clubs got really involved and gave from their hearts this season,” Sansom said. “The Searcy community has been very blessed by the services the students provided them with this year.”
