Blowing snow made Carrye Jo Cony’s Monday commute from Sheboygan to Lakeland College a bit tricky.
“But it was absolutely worth the drive,” she said enthusiastically.
Cony, the volunteer coordinator for the Sheboygan Area Salvation Army, brought a big, empty van to campus. Minutes later, it was jam-packed with an estimated 300 clothing items and 50 toiletries. In addition, she was handed a cash donation of $106.
For the third consecutive year, Lakeland’s Beta Sigma Omega fraternity coordinated a donation drive to benefit the Salvation Army. For about a month, blue barrels were strategically placed around campus. In addition, the Betas accepted cash donations and hosted a party to cap off the drive.
“It feels good to give back to the community, because some of us here at Lakeland understand what it’s like not to have things many people take for granted,” said Airiss Hargrow, Beta president. “None of the members of Lakeland’s Beta Sigma Omega fraternity are from Sheboygan County, but this is our second home and we want to help out any way we can.”
Cony said the donated cash will go directly to the Sheboygan Area Salvation Army, and every $30 provides one night in the homeless shelter, three meals and counseling for someone in need.
After seven members of the fraternity helped Cony load the van with the donated items, she shared with them a story about how earlier that day, a young woman came into the Sheboygan Salvation Army because she didn’t have shoes or a winter coat.
“This drive continues to grow, and the enthusiasm these young men show is so nice to see,” Cony said. “They always go out of their way to help.
“Our mission here is to meet human needs in the Lord’s name without discrimination, and these young men exemplify that mission. I have no doubt they will contact me again to do this next year. They are always there to help.”