In what has become a tradition, the #GivingTuesday spirit took over campus on a rainy day in December. The Student Philanthropy Council had a mission, and it was going to be accomplished come rain or shine: send a piece of home and bring a smile to those deployed far away during the holidays.
For #GivingTuesday, more than 750 students, faculty and staff personally penned holiday greeting cards to North Carolina National Guard Troops deployed overseas. The handwritten notes of thanks and encouragement can be a bright spot during a tough time.
As one soldier remarked for the Army News, "For those guys to receive letters, it was the thing that made Christmas for them in a place where the environment is not covered in snow and cheer but with sand and fear."
In addition, a Crowdfund UNC Charlotte project successfully raised enough funds to send seven student veterans to the Student Veterans of America National Conference in Anaheim, California. The conference is an opportunity to provide veterans with resources to help them transition from military to civilian life by focusing on personal and professional development.
UNC Charlotte originally opened its doors to support veterans returning from World War II and continues this legacy of support. Visit Veteran Student Services for more infomation.