Giving of Themselves, From Head to Toe
"The ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being, but especially the weakest and most defenseless."
– Pope John Paul II
USF students aren’t mere students. They’re philanthropists. They’re advocates. They serve. The university’s call to service isn’t something they do by rote because they have to. They serve because they believe in what they are doing. Our students try to give of themselves, "from head to toe."
From Head…
Before musicians were helping to raise money for those involved in the Haitian earthquake, one USF student started Formula for Life, an organization with a simple mission - to improve the nutrition of poor, sick infants in Haiti.
Cortney Shepard, an ‘09 USF graduate, recognized infants’ need when she was on a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. During her junior and senior years, Cortney organized the Formula for Life Benefit to raise money. Today, a committee of USF students coordinates volunteer-driven events to raise funds, which they use to purchase and deliver infant formula to Haiti. The group distributes the formula through the Haitian Health Foundation, where a specific representative personally takes the formula to various hospitals and clinics and ensures that it is being given to the hungry infants and newborns.
Why Haiti you ask? Not only is Haiti the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, but prior to the earthquake, there were already 400,000 orphaned children there.
To help raise money and awareness, the group has held fundraisers, including a silent auction, 5k Run/Walk, and live music and food. This year’s event will be held on April 18th at 1pm.
To Toe…
Natural disasters always bring about rounds of donations in the form of food, water, and medical aid. Donations often miss one important aspect: what people are wearing on their feet. Something as simple as a pair of shoes can protect disaster victims from many potential injuries and infections; allowing them to get to work rebuilding their community.
This past fall, the Student Nurses Association and the Green Campus Committee combined forces with Soles4Souls, an organization founded in response to the Asian Tsunami and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Students, faculty and staff promoted the drive on campus and collected over 500 pairs of shoes.
When USF classes expose students to the troubles of the world, they don’t just sit at their desks. They act. They reach out and improve the lives of others. It’s not just students though; it’s faculty and staff, too. Everyone on campus is a part of this giving, caring community.
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Previously Featured
- Students on Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome
- The Birthplace of an Ocean
- Serving One Another, Society, & the Church
- Our students try to give of themselves, “from head to toe.”
- Hands-on Learning with a Professional Artist
- Health and hunger: USF students give on two fronts
- USF unites local educators, students for Better Together Day of Service
- We the People