ISG piggy banks benefit charity
By Lindsey Newett
Staff Writer
The Indianapolis Student Government Service and Philanthropy Committee organized the Piggy Bank Project that ran from Nov. 14 to Dec. 5. The project raised money for the Ronald McDonald House at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
The service project was designed for all students, faculty and staff members to participate by donating spare change for the Ronald McDonald House. This was the first year for the ISG Piggy Bank Project.
“Our motto for the Piggy Bank Project is change can mean two things: small coins and to transform,” said President of the Service and Philanthropy Committee Katie Stam. “Why not use one to create the other? No matter how big or small, it makes some sort of transformation.”
The piggy banks were located in the entrance of the cafeteria, Streets Corner, The Perk, offices in Schwitzer and department offices in Good and Esch halls and at the front desks of all residence halls. The piggy banks were displayed with a brief explanation of the project.
Within the first two weeks, the Piggy Bank Project raised just over $70. A total of $110.97 was reached by the end of the service project.
“We raised $40 in two days,” Stam said. “If that doesn’t say anything then I don’t know what does. Our hope is to continue with this next semester.”
Service and Philanthropy Committee board member Muchafora Moyo, said the committee also was working to find an organization that could double the amount earned during the project, so that the money donated in the end would help out a great deal.
According to the Ronald McDonald House Web site (www.rmhc.com), the organization has helped more than 10 million families since 1974 and is supported by more than 30,000 volunteers each year. The Ronald McDonald House in Indiana with 52 bedrooms that accommodates needy families with patients at Riley Children’s Hospital.
Other future projects for ISG include a service project for the homeless in Indianapolis and Indy School on Wheels, a mentoring program in which students spend time with poverty stricken children.
“The purpose is not only to raise awareness of service opportunities to students, but to also reach out to organizations around us and help make a difference in our city as a whole,” Moyo said.
ISG hopes to bring the Piggy Bank Project back next semester to raise more money.
“ISG is an organization that appreciates the helping hands of students, faculty and staff in promoting our projects,” Moyo said. “It is the organizations hope that everyone will bring forward any suggestions of future projects and ideas on how ISG can help make the stay at U of I more pleasurable and comfy for all.”
