All across campus, Sinclair Community College has put several collection cans to attract students who want to show their support by contributing to the 2011 class gift, according to Kelly Basinger, stewardship officer.
“The important thing with the class gift is, however much we raise, that money is going to go into scholarships for future students. They might already be here or they might be coming in but it is a way for the exiting class to leave a legacy,” Basinger said. “And it is great when college students understand the learning of philanthropy and giving back to pave forward. The class gift is just a small way that we are able to do that.”
In 2009, $1,251.38 was raised , and in 2010, $883.54 was raised and helped more than 2,600 students to receive scholarships, according to Basinger.
This year, Basinger said her personal challenge to the students of Sinclair is to raise $2,011. In an effort to do more for the 2011 graduating class, she has doubled the amount of collection cans throughout the campus.
The collection cans are located at all Aramark locations, Starbucks, the Student Leadership Association (SLA) office, the Bookstore, Main Street Café in Building 10 and other locations throughout the campus.
“It is important for students to know about the class gift because when you see the collection cans in Aramark or in the cafeteria you will know what they are for. You’ll know that the money is going to be collected and put into a pool,” Basinger said. “And that there is a giant check presented at graduation. So those who attend graduation will see just how much is collected and see how much will be passed off into the fund that scholarships will come out of.”
To motivate and inspire clubs to raise money for the class gift, Basinger said she has also issued various Student Clubs a challenge as well. The Student Clubs challenge is to raise $50, per club. The club that raises the most money will receive a pizza party. The smaller second challenge is for each club to decorate their collection can in the theme of your organization and what it does, according to Basinger.
For clubs interested in doing the club challenge, contact Basinger at Kelly.basinger@sinclair.edu or call (937) 512-3330. All collection cans must be back to the SLA office June 1, in Building 8 Room 025.
“The collection cans help students who are currently here understand that it is important to give. You may not be able to give much but any amount counts. Anything you can give, whether it is a quarter or dollar, that all adds up,” Basinger said. “There are so many people—it will add up. And it only takes so much to pay for a credit hour. If 50 people gave, you know it can help students pay for their textbooks or pay for their tuition.”