The Newman University School of Business (SCOBUS) is gathering donations for the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County.
Boxes have been placed around campus for community members to drop off new toys, clothing of all sizes (children & adult), underwear and socks.
This initiative came to be after Dean of the School of Business Jill Fort, Assistant Dean of the School of Business Teresa Wilkerson and Assistant Director of MBA & Degree Completion Program Angela McCoy were invited to tour the Child Advocacy Center by Newman alumna Jae Hendrick, who works there.
The group met to discuss an opportunity for Newman to partner with Lead Wichita and become a catalyst site for conversations regarding leadership.
McCoy said, “Once we left the meeting, we knew we had to find a way for Newman to help with the amazing work that Jae and the center are doing for the children of our community.”
McCoy teaches a Service and Volunteerism class for ASC Scholars and felt they would be a perfect partner for a project of this scale and subject.
“COVID-19 has changed the way people are volunteering in the community,” said McCoy. “Students’ health was a main concern in the decision not to require volunteer hours this semester but that does not mean the desire to help in the community has waned. If anything, I believe that it has grown but people are struggling to find a way to contribute that is safe and healthy for all parties involved.”
At this point in a typical year, students would have already volunteered several times within the community and would be planning a group service project. The requirement is 90 service hours but it has been waived this semester due to COVID-19.
McCoy said the students have been expressing an interest in learning about new opportunities and ways they can begin to serve.
Students will move from in-person classes to online classes after Thanksgiving, so finding a project with a short timeline was key.
The Child Advocacy Center aids children who are neglected or abused in Sedgwick County by providing them with clothes and comfort items when they enter the center.
The boxes placed around campus will be picked up Nov. 13. They are located at the St. John’s Chapel entrance inside Sacred Heart Hall, Dugan Library, Gorges Atrium, Eck Hall’s foyer and the SCOBUS office on the second floor of McNeill Hall.
