Communications and special education freshman Kalin Nehrenz said she remembers waking up on Christmas morning, unwrapping all of her gifts underneath the tree and the scent of freshly baked cookies floating around the house.
And yet, Nehrenz said this holiday season will not be about her.
Nehrenz is a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, which adopts a family every year for Christmas and buys them clothing, food and other items to help the family cope with the struggles of being homeless.
The project is named Christmas Wallflowers to represent the homeless individuals, who are “on the outside looking in at the world.”
Nehrenz said that she noticed this year’s family was only asking for laundry detergent and socks.
“All I could think of was how amazing my family always made Christmas for my sibling and I (growing up), and I could not imagine a child not having the same experience,” she said.
Nehrenz said the sorority wanted to give the gifts of food and warmth to those in need.
“Instead of driving by and just feeling sad (for those on the streets), we wanted to at least try and put a small smirk across their faces,” Nehrenz said.
Nehrenz said every individual has the power to make a positive change.
“It is important to help the community and those in need, because ... we have the power to make a positive change,” Nehrenz said.
Nehrenz also said the project aims to give a chance for "Wallflowers" to feel integrated into society.
“This isn’t about fulfilling our own titles, as humans, but making those (in need) feel more alive,” she said. “They sit alone day after day, and we want them to know that we care (about them).”
The sorority will be accepting donations at the Tempe campus, near the Memorial Union on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 27, and Dec. 2 to Dec. 5 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The fundraising will last until Dec. 20,and the items will be handed out on Christmas Eve.
Biology freshman Danielle Crisci, who is also taking part in the project, said she hopes the project will continue to grow each year in hopes of impacting more lives.
“This project will let them know that people care and will help in anyway possible,” she said. “Our main goal in this project is to make sure they can enjoy the holiday as best as possible.”
Crisci also said not many people consider reaching out to the homeless.
“It is very unfortunate that they are outside in the cold on Christmas, so not only are we providing them with blankets, we are also baking them cookies to eat,” she said. “We hope to keep them warm and comfortable, and allow them to enjoy this holiday as best as possible. “
Delaney Ahern, an elementary education freshman, said everyone can make a contribution.
“I feel like if people know a group of 18-year-old girls can come together and make a difference in the community, everyone else can too,” Ahern said.
Ahern said any donations would be beneficial to helping the project succeed.
“It is very easy for the community to get involved and make a difference this Christmas,” she said. “A small donation, or donating a blanket would help. ... We really just want to give back (to the community) and put a smile on someone face.”
Students and faculty may contact Pi Beta Phi for more information about more donation locations and further information about the event.
Reach the reporter at mmkallo@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @its_ame_a_mario
