Tis the season for holiday cheer. In this spirit, Tuesday, Dec. 3 was all about giving at NMU. The third annual Day of Giving allowed students and community members alike the opportunity to give back to the university.

This year offered a twist for anyone willing to donate by allowing them to put money directly into an academic department of their choice. Associate Director of Annual Giving Andrew Hill said something like Day of Giving is meaningful for the community. 

“Our goal this year is to spotlight giving to departments and programs, as well as general scholarships, the Parent’s and Family Fund and, of course, the NMU Food Pantry,” Hill said.  “The NMU Day of Giving is a great way for the campus, community, friends and alumni to invest in NMU students and faculty at many levels.” 

The Food Pantry was able to collect over 2,600 items from across campus in one day during the event. Food Pantry intern Ricky Reeve explained that every day working to help people at the pantry is a benefit of the job, but working for Day of Giving is something even greater. 

“It feels really amazing to be a part of something this beneficial. Working at the Food Pantry every week helps me feel like I am making a difference in the community,” Reeve said. “But being a part of the Day of Giving is even more special because it also spreads the word across all of campus.”

In terms of what the donated money can do and where it will go, Hill said that it can go to a variety of different needs throughout campus.

“NMU Day of Giving helps support research, the arts, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, student and faculty travel and enhancement of the student experience,” Hill said. 

The Day of Giving exists to bring attention to long-lasting issues that affect students and community members, but Reeve explained that support doesn’t all have to come during one day a year. 

“I hope that people realize that the problems the Day of Giving deals with, such as food insecurity, are long term issues. As much as this day helps, there needs to be constant support. I hope that people use this day as a springboard and decide to help out more in their community,” Reeve said. “You do not have to volunteer every day or donate huge amounts of money or goods. Every little bit helps.”