Pi Gamma Mu gives back to students

Liz Moeller, Staff Writer

Pi Gamma Mu, an international honor society in social sciences, has recently made a $200 donation to the WSC Food Pantry. The pantry assists students either on or off campus who need help from time to time with food and daily household supplies. This money was brought together through hard work of PGM, under the leadership of President Justin Aaberg, Mr. Kyle Greene, vice president Carla Robinson and vice president Rachel Colwell.

“This was actually extra money from the book and bake fundraiser. It’s probably our most successful since we generally raise $400 and got well over $600,” Aaberg said.

With the usual amount only being about $400, there was a meeting about what they would do with the extra $200.

“Prior to the meeting, we were looking to give it to a local charity or organization, but then the food pantry was suggested,” Aaberg said. “It was the students’ idea, and several members suggested it at the meeting.”

“I just sat back in the room and ate pizza,” added Dr. Randy Bertolas, the faculty adviser of PGM. It was at about this time that it was also offered to volunteer at the Food Pantry, with more than a few students offering their time to the pantry.”

Many ideas still were being tossed around. The PGM had donated to others before, having donated to the Norfolk Rescue Mission in the last spring. Every dollar has gone to help speech competitions and aid the PGM.

Even the Sept. book and bakery fundraiser was all to help others.

“We circulate money for a good cause. We recycled books to get more books into the hands of the students,” said Bertolas. “We’re about what can we give back.”

The Food Pantry is an important part of campus as well, as most don’t realize that some college students don’t have enough to eat and cannot afford it. It’s with the PGM and the help of all who support through donations through the fundraisers that good organizations can still do good things without being hurt financially.

The Food Pantry is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is open for anyone with a student ID.