A dynamic group of budding theologians at Wingate University in REL 330 Introduction to Systematic Theology service learning class have partnered with Heart for Monroe's CHALK it up to Love EAST Program (run on campus by sophomore Bulldog Isabella Walle), to serve students in our local schools!

Research shows that teachers are regularly having to pay out of their own pockets in order to meet the needs of their students. We also learned that our Wingate zip code in Union County has a poverty rate of over 20% and our Monroe neighbors have a poverty rate of 13-18% (the average for Union County is 7%). Our research also showed that 1/5 teen girls experience "Period Poverty" -- they do not have enough money to buy period products (tampons, pads etc...). This team of theologians also noticed that so many families use the Closet Ministry to feed and cloth their families (and share prayers for each other) and they wanted help!

This team decided that what they are learning about Christology, Pneumatology (Holy Spirit), Scripture, doctrine of Creation, the Triune community, Ministry, and Eschatology (end times) is best learned when in service to our local neighbors. So they designed two service campaigns to educate about the needs of our local student (baby Bulldogs!) and collect donated items and funds!

Can you help them raise money to help our local teachers and students thrive? Please donate so they can help be the 'hands and feet of Christ'

Can you drop off period products, food, used clothing (especially for kids), and school supplies at the CCG located in Austin Auditorium? This will help live out God's liberating love in the world.

Together we can make a difference and empower youth and families in our community!

Some fun facts! Last year monetary donations to CHALK was $9800 and they had $2500 in-kind donations --- and 590 hours of sweat equity packed 177 bags of supplies by volunteers. This helped to make our local community stronger. Already this year CHALK has already packed over 88 bags for local teachers just in February -- with many more anticipated in the future. But they cannot do it without the help of the Bulldog community!