Hillel and the Sigma Chi Fraternity sponsored a campus-wide philanthropy on Tuesday afternoon. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. administration, faculty and students were all invited to participate in the “PB and J Jam.”
Individuals took a break from a busy university schedule to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Samaritan House, a homeless shelter in downtown Denver. more than 185 sandwiches were available for the homeless that night.
With the turnout far better than expected, Hillel and Sigma Chi both went to local grocery stores to replenish sandwich supplies.
Many students felt the philanthropic event benefited the university and some people stayed for 10 minutes and made 15 sandwiches each.
A female student stated, “I’m already five minutes late to class so what difference does an extra two minutes make? These two minutes will mean a lot to someone else.”
“It was great to see such an event go on the bridge on Tuesday, it was definitely creative, but also incredibly humbling to stop for just a single minute and make a difference for someone. Sometimes it’s amazing how a few seconds can make someone feel so good for helping out, and to the extent of which that deed can influence others,” Michaela Morenz said.
A Pioneer Days parent stopped by to make a sandwich and thanked the two groups for collaborating on this project.
“I’m glad my son is looking at a school that wants to give back to the community,” he said.
The Sigma Chi Philanthropy Chair said, “This is the first time Hillel and Sigma Chi ever collaborated on a function, however we hope to continue doing community service projects together in the near future.”
The Samaritan House, located at 2301 Lawrence, houses 115 men, 50 women and over 20 families. The non-profit organization also offers various programs to assist the homeless in getting back on their feet.
Programs include: job counseling, drug and alcohol abuse, and veteran assistance.
The Samaritan House is always looking for more volunteers, if interested please call (303) 294-0241.
