Hi Scholars!

As you know, service is at the core of the Guarantee Scholarship. The Guarantee Scholars Association is eager to serve our community where there is need. Below is an email from a UNCG student who is seeking help for a great cause.

April P. Holt
Video Phone: (336) 295-6037
Text Number: (336) 707-7103
Email: april.holt112@twc.com
Subject: Operation Backpack

9/21/2016

Dear UNCG faculty and fellow students.

I am a currently a senior at University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the Professions in Deafness major. During my drive over the past three years I have noticed the increasing number of people who are homeless walking around the downtown and Lee St. area. Many times I see people carrying their belongings in plastic bags. On most days, over 900 people have no place to sleep in Greensboro. It will be cold weather again and so many of us that are blessed to have a warm place to sleep at night can contribute to assist those in our community that are less fortunate. I think there should be better way for people to carry their precious belongings; therefore, I plan to set up a personal and class project called “Operation Backpack”. Operation BackPack will be used to distribute backpacks to local homeless people with needed items inside. The goal is to collect and fill 100 backpacks with items, which will be used to assist our local homeless in surviving this winter. I am sure most of us have a used extra backpack taking up space in our closet and I am asking you to donate those backpacks to support our homeless in the community. Additionally, we need small or travel size items, male and female items. I ask you to consider donating a gently used backpack or listed items that will fit inside a standard backpack such as: 
 

Blankets 
Socks 
Wipes for bathing
Razors
Deodorant 
Toboggans
Mittens/gloves
Scarfs
Soaps
Water Bottles
Shampoo/conditioner
Combs/hair brushes
Hand warmers 
Backpacks

I will have a jar set up for monetary donations in the event time constraints prevent people from going to the store to purchase items. If everyone who reads this letter will donate one item. I am certain we can reach the goal to collect and fill 100 backpacks! 

Time: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Date: Thursday September 29, 2016 and Saturday, October 1, 2016
Place: UNCG outside SOEB (School of Education Building)

Warm regards,
April Holt

Thanks!