Rocky Mount, N.C. - In an effort to help worthy organizations during the spring semester, the USA South Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) developed "Pennies for a Purpose" in 2008. With the Gift of Life Marrow Registry as their chosen charity this year, our Bishop student-athletes have been collecting loose change since January and will be wrapping up their drive next week.
In support Pennies for a Purpose, Wesleyan's Vice President of SAAC and Vice President of Operations for Delta Phi Epsilon, Lexi Rhodes, has helped put together a bone marrow drive on Monday, April 3rd. The event will kick off the final week of collections, as well as NCAA Division III Week.
"Gift of Life is an organization that deals with blood cancer, which 360 people are diagnosed with each day," explains Rhodes. "The organization raises money and awareness for the disease, and also hosts bone marrow drives where you can become registered as a bone marrow donor. We would love for everyone to participate and donate what they can to this awesome organization. Pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, any loose change that you don't need is accepted!"
Collection jars are located in the library, switchboard, coaches' offices, and the athletic training room, and the Bishops will be collecting at Monday's bone marrow drive. The drive will be held from 12pm to 4pm on the Southern Bank Green. Students or staff can come by and have their cheek swabbed to be put on the bone marrow registry and have a chance to someday be a donor and save a life. You must be 18 years old to become a donor.
The drive in is honor of the 5-year old son of Delta Phi Epsilon's international coordinator,who was diagnosed with leukemia last semester. The sorority came up with #NateNation to show their support.
After Monday's bone marrow event, the final day of collections for loose change will be Thursday, April 6th.