USC gives back to help others

In the midst of the holiday season, Carolina students are finding ways to make a difference in the USC community.

The largest effort yet from USC students was the Clemson-Carolina blood drive sponsored by the Greek Programming Board. The Red Cross bloodmobile was stationed outside of Russell House, the Darla Moore School of Business and Colonial Life arena.

“The blood drive is an easy way to give back because it’s right on campus. I gave blood and it only took about an hour, and each pint of blood saves lives,” said third-year biology student Kate Thompson.

Last year Carolina beat our cross-state rivals by 700 donors. This year, USC won by more than 1,000 donors.

“The blood drive is not only giving back, but we get a chance to beat Clemson again. Who doesn’t want that?” said Thompson.

In addition to the Clemson-Carolina blood drive, many student organizations have been organizing drives and fundraisers. The Carolina Service Council sponsored “A Thousand Thanks” letter drive campaign aimed at collecting supportive letters and cards that were mailed to our armed forces all over the globe. Students wrote a letter to a soldier overseas or signed a pre-printed card supplied by the Thank You Foundation. Over 100,000 thank you cards to veterans in active duty have been sent out since 2007 from students in over 40 states.

Other students helped out in Columbia by volunteering at Hand Middle School Nov. 20. Each volunteer was assigned a different classroom where they read picture books aloud to the students. Discussion topics included the importance of tolerance and diversity while discouraging bullying, stereotyping and discrimination. 

While a lot of service opportunities have already passed, there is still plenty of time to make a difference. The 55th annual USC Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on the Horseshoe on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

Organizers say this event highlights Carolina’s dedication and commitment to serving others.

“I went last year and it was a lot of fun,” said Chloe McDermott, a second-year business student. “I felt like a bigger part of the Carolina Community, and it was a great way to kick off the holidays”.

Guests will include USC President Harris Pastides, Student Body president Meredith Ross and representatives from the Salvation Army and Nurturing Center. In addition, the Salvation Army is holding it’s annual Ring the Bell campaign and is looking for volunteers to ring the bell at various locations in the Columbia area to raise money for the organization. This opportunity is great because it is made to fit your schedule at different times and locations.

If you want to become more involved, information is available on USC’s Web site at sc.edu/communityservice.