Editorial : Carrier Dome events prove campus members value donating, giving back
The last two home men’s basketball games in the Carrier Dome proved donating and promoting social causes is alive and well on campus.
The Better Together campaigns at Syracuse University and Georgetown University paired up to raise donations and canned food at the game last Wednesday. The DOT campaign featured a dunk tank at Saturday’s game against Connecticut and asked participants to commit to one small act toward economic, environmental or social betterment. There have also been recent events on and around campus that promoted giving back and donating, including food packaging Tuesday in the Schine Student Center.
Typically, the months following the major winter holidays create a lull in donations, but hunger and poverty are year-round issues.
It is encouraging to see students taking part in giving back. Every donation counts and helps make a difference. By holding events at these large-scale events, it’s an easy way to attract a large amount of attention to a cause. Participating in a cause at a basketball game provides a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. Students not only get to watch the game, they can make a difference at the same time.
But students should not just be donating only at large-scale events. There are several different ways to give back during the year. Each semester, the library system at SU holds a fine amnesty program. Students can knock down late fees by donating to a food pantry. At the end of the academic year, the residence halls put out boxes where students can donate old clothes or supplies.
We attend classes on campus and live in the campus bubble. Sometimes we don’t interact with the community around us. Students should look for opportunities to become involved whether it’s with food pantries, soup kitchens or even tutoring at local schools. It’s an easy way to give back that can contribute to the greater good.
