The Oglethorpe chapter of the Collegiate 100 has been making a difference in the local community just in time for the holiday season. The student group recently raised $1,000 and held a canned food drive for families in need with Hearts to Nourish Hope, a local nonprofit that operates a food pantry as part of its mission to provide vital resources and programs for youth and young adults.

The Oglethorpe University chapter of the Collegiate 100 raised $1,000 for the Hearts to Nourish Hope nonprofit organization.

The Collegiate 100 chose to support Hearts to Nourish Hope because of their past working relationship and familiarity with the organization and mission.

“We have worked with Hearts to Nourish Hope in the past, passing out food to families in need,” said Michael Morgan ’21, a member of Oglethorpe’s Collegiate 100 chapter. “We support the services they provide to the community, which include mentorship, job placement and other resources. We hold similar ideals in the Collegiate 100 and look forward to a continued partnership.”

Co-presidents of Oglethorpe’s Collegiate 100 chapter David Swillum ’21 and Mimi Woods ’21 developed four core principles for the organization upon its founding. The principles include philanthropy, action, connection and kindness, or P.A.C.K. While fundraising in the midst of a pandemic was not without its challenges, the student group stayed true to its core principles by creating a successful virtual fundraiser.

The Collegiate 100 continues to embody the P.A.C.K. principles, as they are hosting a Toys for Tots toy drive through December 19.

“These projects and initiatives embody the principles that our Collegiate 100 members represent,” said Cecil Rose, associate director of academic success and the chapter’s advisor. “We also encourage the entire Oglethorpe community to participate and support in assisting others, especially this time of year.”