SGA partners with Chance the Rapper’s non-profit SocialWorks

SGA has partnered with SocialWorks, a non-profit organization that aims to raise awareness and provide relief for those experiencing homelessness and extreme hardships through service, donations, and events.

Every November, the non-profit organizes Warmest Winter, which was started by Chance the Rapper, who grew up in Chicago. Warmest Winter, which was founded in 2015, gathers donations of new or gently used winter clothing items all over the Chicagoland area for those experiencing homelessness. 

Javier Gloria, SGA Vice President, contacted SocialWorks to have a donation box put on Elmhurst University’s campus for students and the Elmhurst community to participate in. The box arrived mid-October and is located in the Frick Center in the stairwell next to the OSI Office. 

Gloria looked forward to being able to contribute and have the community come together in helping gather clothing materials for those who are unable to acquire it themselves. 

“I have always been intrigued with becoming more involved with their organization,” said Gloria in an email to The Leader. “I never had the time to volunteer but once I saw that they were accepting hosts for the donation boxes this year, I immediately applied and within a few days, I got the email that Elmhurst University got selected.” 

He continued, “I am very happy that SGA is able to build bridges with not just local organizations but also Chicago ones.” 

According to the SocialWorks website, since beginning Warmest Winter, over 156,378 warming items have been donated.

Daizja Hollman, president of SGA, thought it was an important event to have on campus to allow EU’s community to come together and support those in need. 

“I thought it was a good idea because it not only is something students can get involved in but also something to bring the entire Elmhurst community together and involved in to help those in need,” said Hollman. 

SGA was happy to have had the experience to work with SocialWorks and works forward to working with them in the future. 

“To be honest, there was a part of me thinking that we wouldn’t even be able to fill the whole box,” said Gloria. “I have peeked into the box and not only have people made stuff to put in the box, but I also saw toys such as chalk and of course children’s books. My goal now is to fill another one by the next two weeks. This won’t be the last time we collaborate with SocialWorks.”

Photo by- Ryan Windle