NIU wraps up a good holiday for those in need

By Megan Rodriguez

The NIU office of Records and Registration and the communication department are donating food items to local food pantries in the DeKalb area.

Mary Wasilevich, a communication instructor at NIU, is asking her students to donate food items, which will be collected for Safe Passage, a DeKalb organization that offers services for victims of domestic violence.

Wasilevich thinks that one act of kindness does make a difference.

“I feel that I can be a role model for my students with regard to social activism,” Wasilevich said. “One person doing one small act can mean a lot to someone less fortunate.”

Wasilevich thinks that donating food helps not only those in need, but students as well.

“I hope to raise awareness in my students of the abundance of blessings we have in our lives, by thinking of those who aren’t as well off,” Wasilevich said. “While we might not have all of our wants, most of us do have most of our needs met.”

Frances Peters, a freshman business management major in Wasilevich’s communication class, believes in helping.

“I feel that everyone should help those less fortunate than themselves,” Peters said. “Donating food is just one way that everyone can help.”

The communication department is not alone in believing in the power of helping others.

Records and Registration has been donating food to the Salvation Army since Thanksgiving and will continue to donate through the Christmas season.

Becky Maley, a staff member at the evaluations unit in the Records and Registration office, had the idea to start the donations after Halloween because people buy their groceries early for the holidays.

“As long as you are at the store, you might as well pick up that extra box of rice,” Maley said.

In addition to donating food, the Records and Registration office also is adopting a less-fortunate family that needs help Christmas shopping.

The Salvation Army provides those interested in adopting a family with the family’s first names and wish lists. The Records and Registration office has purchased items for the family such as clothing and toys.

“People don’t know how easy it is to adopt a family,” Maley said. “The Salvation Army is wonderful. They give you clothing sizes and the kids’ wish list. They make it totally easy.”

Maley thinks she and the Records and Registration office are making a difference.

“With just a little contribution of money, time and shopping, you can really make a difference to a family who is not going to have a good Christmas otherwise,” she said.