A new club on campus is raising money for charity, but not in the ways you might be thinking.
Students Helping Honduras was created to raise money to build schools in Honduras for those who do not have them. As part of a national organization, the University of South Carolina chapter was established last spring.
SHHPresident Catherine Buddin says she wanted to start the club after traveling to Honduras herself, where she observed the lack of schools for children.
“I fell in love with Honduras, and I wanted USC students to have the opportunity to go and make an impact there,” Buddin said.
Students Helping Honduras is trying to reach out to and recruit students in unique ways this semester. One way is to put up signs around campus that say “Give a SHHit,” in hopes of catching the attention of students.
Public relations coordinator Nikita Morse, a second-year pre-pharmacy major, says other puns are also in the works.
“We really want this program to grow so we can help the children of Honduras as much as possible,” Morse said. “It is so important for college to students to help others, and creative marketing is a great way to get people talking and involved.”
Currently, the club has about 30 members. With scheduled events and fundraisers planned for the rest of the semester, Morse says she hopes that number will continue to grow and help the club expand.
One event that Morse considers especially unique is Grilled Cheese Thursdays. From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., club members walk around campus, selling grilled cheese sandwiches for $3. All of the proceeds will go toward the organization’s philanthropic efforts.
In addition to selling late-night sandwich snacks, SHH will be sponsoring a soccer tournament on October 12th at the Strom Thurmond Fitness and Wellness Center. The club hopes to attract teams of five players and charge money for them to play.
On December 28th, about 15 club members will be traveling to Honduras themselves to personally work on the construction of a new school. Morse says the club was originally hoping to get 10 students together, and she is thrilled that they already accomplished that goal.
“We have a great number of students planning on going already, but we would also love for more students to get involved and come,” Morse said. “It will be so fulfilling to personally help the work get done and see the difference we’re making in others’ lives.”