Charity Week and all its chaos are almost here, but the week-long experience of fun is of course in the service of charity. This year, the junior class has chosen as its charities the Missionaries of Charity and In My Shoes, two organizations which serve the DFW community in real, critical ways.
Isabelle Luevano, junior business major and co-chair of Charity Week, said, “We chose the Missionaries of Charity because they generously and lovingly help the poorest of the poor. The way the missionaries live out their vow of poverty is incredibly inspirational for many reasons, but they also do not fundraise at all. Instead, they rely solely on benefactors.”
This organization works to serve those in need, from the homeless to single mothers, in many ways, such as through soup kitchens or providing housing for struggling mothers and families. They rely on the generosity of those around them to keep their mission alive and possible.
This year’s second charity, In My Shoes, is an organization focused on assisting mothers in need, especially those who are homeless and vulnerable, providing them with physical and emotional support during and after pregnancy.
Both charities this year focus on serving those in great need right here in the DFW community.
“It is important to help both of these charities because they support some of the most vulnerable members of society and give them hope for a better future,” said Luevano.
The juniors have some serious goals in mind for this year’s Charity Week, hoping to raise at least $41,000. According to Robert Cook, junior history major and co-chair of Charity Week, the goal is to break last year’s fundraising record of $40,000, even if that means $40,000 and a penny.
The junior class calls on the entire student body to help smash this staggering record in the upcoming days. With reports from years gone by of all kinds of games and merriment – and maybe a tale or two from behind bars – the UD community is ready and waiting to help contribute to the next Charity Week.
“Charity Week is a lot of fun for us, but we definitely keep at the forefront that we’re doing it as an act of service to the wider DFW,” said Cook.
“Charity Week is our opportunity to come together and make a real difference in the lives of those in need!” said Luevano. “As we are having fun and attending the various events, know that everyone’s participation will directly support people in critical situations.”
As we go into this Charity Week, let us all truly come together to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, considering the words of Mother Teresa – “God still loves the world through you and through me.”