Castleton University’s first attempt at participating in #GivingTuesday, the global day of giving that seeks to challenge the way we think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season was a monumental success thanks to the generosity of the Castleton community. With a focus on “Giving Green,” the University used their signature green as a way to bring everyone together.
The Castleton Student Government Association organized an effort to collect food items, winter clothing, and other donations for area charities throughout the day, challenging various on-campus clubs and organizations to see which could be the most philanthropic on campus. Together, the group collected more than 3,000 items to donate to various charitable organizations, including over 900 food items, 1,600 articles of warm clothing and shoes, and more than 350 toiletries for the Castleton senior nursing students’ medical brigade to Honduras in the spring.
In addition to the donation drive efforts, the Castleton Rotaract Club raised more than $100 through its bake sale to donate to Pure Water for the World, a non-profit organization committed to improving the health and livelihood of children and families in the developing world by partnering with communities to establish safe water solutions.
“The interest and involvement of Castleton clubs and organizations was overwhelmingly exciting, I am truly proud to be part of this community,” said Castleton senior and SGA Executive Vice President Emma Faucher. “I am very pleased with the outcome and can only hope that the numbers of individuals who participated and items that were donated increase in years to come.”
Castleton alumni, business partners, faculty, staff and students showed their Spartan pride by setting a new single-day record of 194 gifts made to the Castleton Fund. Participants from 21 different states across the country came together, raising more than $10,500 to help Castleton students succeed.
Finally, the Gift of Life Marathon kicked off its annual 12 Days of Giving at President Dave Wolk’s house. Through the event the Red Cross was able to collect 135 lifesaving gifts, surpassing the goal of 125 donations.
“I had tears in my eyes because I knew we had created something much larger than us,” said Faucher, detailing the day. “We successfully brought the Castleton community together and kick-started the season of giving in a way I couldn’t have ever imagined possible.”