The SPJ chapter at WCU rang in the holidays with a bake sale to support Western Carolina’s Homebase College Ministry.
The chapter raised over $600 and delivered seven gift cards in value of $100 and $50 to Homebase on Dec. 5.
Director of Homebase, Dr. Jim Dean, said that gift cards are the best way to help students who are using their assistance. These funds will help some of them to go home for the holidays and get items they need and can’t be found in Homebase.
Around ten faculty, students, and staff baked their best holiday treats with a wild variety for all taste buds. Varying from chocolate chip cookies to Vanilici, a sweet pastry from the Balkan region. They also included some vegan and allergen-specific options.
Homebase is for all students and turns no one away. Students that might have aged out of foster care, are orphaned, homeless, need to wash clothes, or just want a warm place to be. It is a collaboration between Baptist Homes of North Carolina and Western Carolina University that’s purpose is to provide resources and help to all students.
“At SPJ, we like to put the power of words to good use. We thought that a great way to raise money and awareness for Homebase would be through sweets! Homebase does an incredible job of providing resources to students in need and they often get an influx of students around the holidays. We want to help take some of the financial burdens from them so they can help more students,” SPJ chapter president, Sara Stanley, said.
Emily Renken, Homebase intern, gave examples of what might the bake sale money go to.
“It could be used to refill the food pantry, money for student needs, and other resources that need money or more supplies.” She also added that the local community has donated so much this semester so keeping up support is great and appreciated.
