Over 60 Northwood University sorority members recently joined to support Shelterhouse, a local haven for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, at the organization’s new resale shop by each volunteering an hour’s time to the organization.The members of Northwood University’s Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Gamma Delta and Delta Zeta groups divided into teams with sisters from each organization sorting, tagging, reorganizing and creatively displaying a variety of fashionable items.
Christian Coronado, the shop’s Sales Associate was extremely grateful for the dramatic burst of over 60-hours of volunteer manpower. “It will be great to come to work Monday morning because these girls cleared out so much merchandise for us and got it out on the floor,” she said. And Brittany Bates, the shop’s Operations Manager agreed. “Just phenomenal,” she said. “The support of the young ladies was great!”
As sorority sisters made purchases, donated some of their own items, and signed wall footprints to support the “Step Up to End Sexual Assault Campaign,” many commented that they will return to shop now that they know about the store. “It was really fun. I liked getting to hang out with girls from other chapters and contributing to a great cause,” said Delta Zeta’s Kayla Stock, a junior from Lapeer, Michigan who also serves as campus president of Panhellenic the governing body of the three groups that arranged the event.
Shelterhouse is a non-profit organization committed to provide safety, shelter, advocacy and counseling to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Serving both Midland and Gladwin counties, its efforts remain focused on the goal to eliminate violence in today’s society. Its survivor services are partially funded through the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, the Crime Victim Services Commission, and the United Way of Midland and Gladwin Counties. It is a member of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
