The University of Memphis Student Wellness Advisory Board held the monthly Tiger Thrift Store, a free pop up show to give clothing to students, faculty and people for the holiday season Nov. 21 in the University Center Atrium.
Tiger Thrift Store representative and UofM social work major Jasmine King said her interest in hosting the store was part of an internship in addition to giving and helping students who are in need.
“We do outreach activities and collaborate with other organizations on campus like Tiger Pantry, and we get together and provide resources,” King said.
For three months on a Thursday, the Tiger Thrift Store would provide a variety of services to students searching for things that could be a solution.
King said it is in her nature to be a giving person, which allows her to participate in the program more often.
“I’ve always been a giving person,” King said. “I help any way I can, whether through a clothing drive, food pantry or my personal heart and listening ear.”
With the holiday season such as Christmas approaching, King said the store would give a moment’s reprieve to students in need.
“The weather is changing for one, and there is a lot of things that people need and may not have access too so being able to give some of those items provides some relief to us knowing our students are taken care of,” King said.
Mass communication major Illicio Ransom said UofM students, along with residents from the area, would benefit from this program.
“Memphis has a certain level of poverty, but I think the store would be impactful for UofM students,” Ransom said. “Even though we have Goodwill and paying three dollars for a shirt is cheap to some, it is still money some people don’t have.”
Ransom also said the store donations could have a special meaning behind it, especially to those in need.
“It is giving something to somebody come Christmas Day won’t have any gifts if they don’t have family or if they spent all their money on tuition,” Ransom said.
An OnCampus research study shows 57% of students admitted they’re buying more store brands or generic products, and 75% are doing more comparative shopping before making a purchase.
Exercise science major Angeline Heger said it is important for students to give back during the holiday season to help those less fortunate people an enjoyable, memorable holiday.
“Not everyone has a family that they can go to Thanksgiving dinner with or be able to have someone that gives them presents,” Heger said. “If people can give back more to the community, it makes sure everyone has a better holiday spirit.”
Heger said for the average student, financial gifts are not everything, and empathizing is one of the best things you can do.
“You never know what a person could be going through a doing that small act of kindness can go a long way,” Heger said. “You don’t have to do a big contribution, even something like a single dollar or weekend volunteer hours, helps.”
Heger said she believes in reciprocating the energy you give back this holiday season, and giving would work in everyone’s benefit.
“Once you put out something to the world, you get it back,” Heger said. “The Golden Rule always applies ever since we were a child. I believe that giving back is the right thing to do.”
The Student Wellness Advisory Board setup a free pop up event in the UC atrium for students to participate.
