Imagine being a college student and facing a crisis alone for the first time. Having to buy a last-minute international plane ticket to go home for a family funeral. Experiencing flooding or fire in an off-campus residence and needing a place to stay while repairs are made. Having to take time off work for an injury or illness and being unable to work to cover basic expenses in the interim.
Thanks to annual gifts from the Spartan community to the Support Our Spartans (S.O.S.) Student Emergency Needs Fund, students dealing with sudden hardships have a caring resource.
The S.O.S. fund is one of the projects seeking support on Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving taking place on December 3, 2024. Donations will provide students with immediate financial support to cover expenses in emergency situations such as car accidents, a health crisis, death of a family member, or loss of belongings—or housing—due to a fire or flood.
Last year, more than $331,000 of S.O.S. funding was awarded, providing critical support in times of need for 507 students. Students received funding for temporary housing, plane tickets home to be with an ill parent, unexpected medical bills and help with other expenses.
“Being able to have students be successful and reduce some anxiety is rewarding,” says Assistant Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students, Allyn Shaw. “We are witnessing increased need from students as families and caretakers are experiencing different life concerns. The donor generosity is wonderful to see as their funding is keeping students in classes and succeeding.”
As one student shared: “I cannot overstate the importance of the S.O.S. fund for students like me who face financial challenges that are beyond our control. The funds have been a lifeline that has helped me stay afloat and enabled me to continue pursuing my education without sacrificing my well-being or academic performance. I am deeply grateful for the support that the S.O.S. fund has provided me, and I hope that it will continue to help other students in need for years to come.”
More information about the S.O.S. fund and Giving Tuesday can be found online, and gifts can be made through the website.
For more information on ways to make a significant impact on students, contact Associate Director of Development, Office of Philanthropy for Undergraduate Education, Danielle Matlick at matlickd@msu.edu or by calling (517) 353-2116.
