This fall, nearly 600 Coastal Carolina University students have filled over 300 backpacks with school supplies, clothing and toys for the Fostering Hope organization.

Fostering Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Conway that provides goods and services to children in foster care in Horry, Georgetown, Marion and Dillon Counties.

Led by Paula Lippert, the administrative coordinator for CCU's University College, more than 200 students were split into groups and given a list of items to include in care packages, such as hygiene products, clothing and toys. The students obtained the items in multiple ways such as donations from the public or fundraising. Two years ago, Lippert came up with the idea to assist Tabby Shelton, a former student worker in her department and the founding director of Fostering Hope. "I see it as such a worthy cause; we are helping as many kids as we can," said Lippert.

Michele Everett, a lecturer in interdisciplinary studies, worked with Lippert on the project. "The project fits in with this year's University 110 theme of building a strong community," said Everett. University 110 is a first-year class required for freshmen.

The University College students gathered more than 200 bags full of items the children needed, $310 in cash donations and three bags of clothes.

Additionally, Cara Scheuer, assistant professor of management, assigned more than 300 students divided into 52 teams from the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration to fill two backpacks per team for two children in need. "I wanted the students to understand how to devise plans to get the items and fundraise, as well as learn to meet the challenges that come with leading a team," said Scheuer.

Cobi Williams, a junior economics major, said his team wanted to find a different way to contribute. "Our team met once a week and decided we would collect coats for the children," said Williams. "We ended up collecting 30 coats. I had a very passionate group, and this work was very satisfying," he said.

The Wall College students collected more than 1,400 pounds worth of items consisting of bicycles, school supplies and clothing.

Once the items were delivered to Shelton, a sorority at CCU, Alpha Xi Delta stepped in to help. About 100 of the sorority sisters organized the donations so they would be easily accessible to those who needed them.

Shelton was very pleased with the results. "It is always inspiring to see young people take the time to reach out and make a difference in the community," she said. "Being a CCU alumna, it is important to me to have an ongoing connection with the university and our students."