Midwestern University Students Donate Funds to Support Local Furniture Bank

Students at Midwestern University recently presented the nonprofit organization Sharing Connections Furniture Bank with a $4,000 donation to support their work in providing furniture and household goods to low-income families facing obstacles such as unemployment, domestic violence, health problems, fires, and floods. The money was raised at the University’s annual Groovin’ in the Grove 5k Run which is held in the spring.

Students from the Sports Medicine Club on campus helped organize the race and determined which charity to donate all of the profits from the event.

“We were looking for an organization that was reputable through past efforts, an organization that we believed could utilize the proceeds earned to the greatest extent, and an organization that was well-connected with other nonprofits in the area. Sharing Connections Furniture Bank was the perfect fit,” said Koan Heindel, president of the Sports Medicine Club and a second-year medical student at the University. “By participating in efforts to support local organizations now, we are furthering our experience and abilities to help others in our future careers. Whether it be a pharmacist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, dentist, or physician, all of us at Midwestern are going into professions where benefitting members of the community is a primary goal,” he added.

Members of the Sharing Connections organization recently visited the campus to receive the donation and to speak with students about the positive impact the funds will have on those in need.

“We are very grateful for this donation. Last year we served over 5,700 adults and children and the need continues to grow each year. There is a huge demand right now. The funds raised will help support our programming efforts and allow us to provide cribs, beds, and household goods to people who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Chris Cholewa, Executive Director of Sharing Connections. “By raising money for us, you helped us to positively impact the lives of others. People leave our warehouse with the ability to furnish a home.”

The Sports Medicine Club is a student organization on the Downers Grove Campus of Midwestern University and provides future health professionals with exposure, education, and experience in sports medicine.