UNC Charlotte nearly doubled the goal for its #GivingTuesdayCLT campaign, raising more than $6,600 to outfit the newly renovated Cpl. Robert Qutub USMC Veterans Lounge with technology upgrades.
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving recognized on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. UNC Charlotte, founded as the Charlotte Center in 1946 to educate WWII veterans, chose to support its more than 900 veteran and military-affiliated students by launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the technology upgrades. Contributions from the University’s faculty, staff, students, alumni and other friends far exceeded the $3,500 goal.
The lounge opened in early November, and the money raised will buy printers and other supplies to help veteran students in their studies. These students are already actively using the lounge for study, relaxation and group discussions. The lounge is located in Barnard Hall, which also houses the University’s Veteran Services Office.
Also for Giving Tuesday, members of the campus community signed nearly 700 holiday cards that will be sent to active-duty service members who are unable to spend the holidays with their families. Tables were set up in the EPIC Building, Popp Martin Student Union, SoVi dining hall and on the lawn near Cato Hall. Students, faculty and staff wrote heartfelt messages of support and encouragement to military members.
“Thank you for fighting for my freedom and giving up your Christmas with your family so I can have Christmas with mine,” one message read. “Get home safe!”