September 16, 2015 (Jackson, Miss.) - The British double-decker-bus-turned-rolling-thrift-store known as the Red Bus Project is coming to Belhaven University on September 24. Students will have an opportunity to learn about the needs of orphans, sign up to get involved, and even shop for clothes and donate to help provide families for waiting orphans around the world.
The bus will be set up at the parking lots of Preston and Fitzhugh Circle from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24. All proceedswill go to support orphan advocacy. Students are already donating clothes and accessories for when the bus arrives. Their donations will restock the bus for the next college campus visit.
Genevieve Dunn, Community Outreach Coordinator, said, “We are so excited to be able to have the Red Bus Project on our campus once again! Last year, we had an overwhelming response from students and community members, who brought many contributions. We are still collecting, so be sure to clean out your closets and donate the clothes and accessories that don't fit or get worn anymore.”
Started by a nonprofit advocacy organization in 2012 called Show Hope, the Red Bus Project has reached out to more than 220,000 college students, sharing the message of advocating for orphans. Over six tours, thousands of students from nearly 80 colleges throughout the Southeast, Southwest and Midwest have tangibly acted to care for orphans with Show Hope's Red Bus Project. Belhaven is only one of 25 colleges and universities that the bus will be visiting for its fall tour.
The Red Bus's simple philosophy of finding ways to involve students in their ministry in a personal way has differentiated them from the many other causes and ministries that vie for students' attention and support. “Students really care about making a difference in the world,” said Chris Wheeler, Show Hope's Director of Student Initiatives. “Sometimes they just need someone to point them in the right direction. The Red Bus Project is a way to lead students toward truly making a huge impact in the global orphan crisis through simple steps of action.”