MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University’s Student Engagement and Student Media groups teamed up with Every Child Polk Yamhill, a program of REACH Northwest, for the Boxes of Hope project this past November. This initiative allowed Western students to create care boxes filled with essential items and personal notes for children in foster care.
The Boxes of Hope project is designed to foster connections among students while enhancing their sense of belonging, confidence, and purpose. It also encourages them to gain new perspectives on the challenges faced by others. “This project gave students something real to be part of. It invited them to do something that matters. Helping others can restore a sense of purpose. That’s the heart of this project,” said Linden Loren, student engagement coordinator & student media advisor.
Benefits of the Project Include:
- Enhanced Connection: Provides students with a chance to connect, enhancing their sense of belonging and purpose.
- Community Strengthening: Aligns with WOU’s strategic plan and mission to build a stronger campus community.
- Showcasing Achievements: Produces content that highlights student contributions, showcasing WOU’s commitment to community service.
- Support for Vulnerable Children: Directly assists children experiencing one of the most challenging moments of their lives.
One of the most effective ways to empower oneself and establish purpose is to ask, “Who can I help?” The Boxes of Hope project encourages this valuable inquiry by giving students the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children in need. Participants not only served their community but also gained volunteer experience for their resumes, with the added incentive of being entered into a drawing for a $250 tuition-based scholarship.
Watch the project documentary and learn more about this program.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.