Campus Ministries is collecting shirts for their T-shirt swap next week to help fund Beach Reach. They will take all the donated shirts and sell them back in the banquet room of Evans Student Center to students for a dollar each.
Beach Reach is a mission trip where students reach out to the community of Panama City, Fla. The group will leave during spring break. This year will be junior Jake Sligh’s third trip to Beach Reach.
“What I love about Panama City Beach Reach is how it puts me in the place where I am the least comfortable,” Sligh said. “There are other groups there during the week under the same banner of Jesus Christ who are casting sharp judgment and condemnation on the ‘spring breakers.’ Beach Reach, however, is a wonderful opportunity to pour out the love of Christ to those who do not know Him and do not live out the gospel message.”
Campus Ministries aims to make as many students a part of the fundraiser as possible. Anyone is welcome to donate or purchase a shirt.
“Students all over campus have been donating T-shirts,” said ministry leader Ashley O’Sullivan. “We’ll sell them back for only a dollar.”
The event will begin Monday, Feb. 16, and will run through Friday, Feb. 20. Campus Ministries will accept gently used T-shirts, as well as sell them from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The money will go to cover the cost of the students who have signed up.
“Unfortunately, PCBR is not free … heck, it’s not even cheap,” Sligh said. “We are all college students who have to raise several hundred dollars each. You can greatly help us by coming and rummaging through our awesome collection of old T-shirts. Even if you do not find anything you like, or find it gross to wear other peoples’ clothing come drop a couple bucks in the jar. Every single dollar helps.”
Freshman Hannah Hilburn is eager to go and serve.
“Buying a used T-shirt will change your life and it will help me go to Beach Reach,” Hilburn said. “Buy one. Maybe two. You decide.”
Many students involved have a passion for missions.
“This money goes towards enabling students to go on a mission — God’s mission,” O’ Sullivan said. “We want these students not to be kept from carrying out the Great Commission.”
Students hope no one will be unable to be a part of the Beach Reach ministry due to a lack of funding.
“Beach Reach is an incredible outreach opportunity for Ouachita students,” said junior Hayley Nolan. “The experience shouldn’t be held back from anyone because of a money issue. Come donate or buy or both. Whatever you can contribute is awesome.”
Campus Ministries wants students to know the impact of their support and how fun the event will be.
Where do I donate shirts?