DUBOIS – Students at Penn State DuBois are giving back to the community by donating supplies, and their time, to an area shelter. The Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) Club has donated painting supplies to Haven House of DuBois. Additionally, members of the Student Government Association (SGA) have volunteered to do the painting at the shelter.
“One of the most important things the HDFS Club focuses on is community service,” said club president Brenda McGarvey, who noted that the club secured the painting supplies through a donation from the DuBois Wal-Mart.
Haven House manager Kelli Williams said the shelter is available to people who have become homeless due to circumstances that are out of their control. She said many of her guests include victims of fire or natural disaster, and people who have lost their homes due to foreclosures caused by job loss. Williams said staff at Haven House work with these guests to help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible, so that they can move on to their own home once again.
“We want to revitalize the house and keep it at its best for our guests,” Williams said. “Maintaining a good atmosphere really helps them.”
SGA member Aimie Nestlerode said 11 student government representatives volunteered to do the painting at Haven House.
“I just believe that groups like SGA should do things like this for the community,” said Nestlerode. “Plus, it builds character.”