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AggiesServingAggies

Five Texas A&M University student groups you can support that are making a difference through selfless service.

By Clare Fusselman ’21

12th Can

The 12th Can, a student-run food pantry affiliated with the Brazos Valley Food Bank, launched in 2013 to serve all students, faculty and staff in need of assistance. The organization conducts food drives, raises awareness about food insecurity and oversees a program that allows Aggies with excess meal swipes on their meal plans to donate them to students in need. “Aggies cannot reach their full potential as students and leaders if they’re worrying where their meals will come from,” said Director Michael Collum ’20. “The goal of the 12th Can is to ensure no Aggie ever goes hungry.”

Gifts to the 12th Can support food purchases and the purchase of reusable bags, which are provided free to consumers. The organization also seeks funds for its marketing efforts and for a freestanding building to house its pantry.

Give Online Now

HelpLine

Sometimes, a listening ear is the best medicine. HelpLine is an after-hours mental health service offered by Texas A&M Counseling & Psychological Services that is available to every Texas A&M student for confidential support, referrals and crisis interventions. Manned by empathetic student volunteers who undergo a rigorous 55-hour training period before they answer their first call, HelpLine assists individuals with whatever is troubling them. “Student welfare is the ultimate priority of not just HelpLine, but our entire university,” said Vy Tran ’16, a volunteer. “I believe HelpLine is the compassionate heart of Texas A&M.”

HelpLine welcomes funds to support volunteers through book stipends and tuition scholarships or travel to conferences. Gifts also bolster its operations and marketing efforts.

Give Online Now

Career Closet

First impressions matter, especially in a job interview. Unfortunately, many college students cannot afford to purchase the necessary professional attire. That’s where the Career Closet, a Texas A&M student-run organization, helps Aggies dress for success. The organization allows students to rent business attire for interviews, networking events and other occasions for up to one week. “We have served more than 1,000 students since we opened in 2016, giving them the confidence to make an excellent first impression,” said Sophia Parrish ’20, executive director.

Funds to the Career Closet support the purchase of new clothing items and care of existing clothing, such as dry cleaning, alterations and mending, as well as marketing efforts.

Give Online Now

Emergency Care Team

A prime example of Aggies helping Aggies can be seen firsthand through the Texas A&M Emergency Care Team, an all-volunteer student organization that provides medical assistance to standby EMTs and first responders at major university events. Members help with physical assessments and first aid, allowing EMTs to focus on bigger issues and provide better emergency care. The group also administers first aid education and training to the Aggie student body. “Every member is passionate about what they do, and being part of Care Team showcases their empathy and work ethic,” President Madeline Ross ’21 said.

Gifts to the Emergency Care Team will go toward purchasing new equipment and help fund training opportunities for members.

Give Online Now

BTHO: Built to Help Others

After watching Hurricane Harvey devastate the Houston area, Schuyler Lamm ’19 and a few other Aggies founded Built to Help Others (BTHO). Initially, BTHO served more than 50 households and supported countless others in need after Harvey. Today, the organization exists to serve those affected by natural disasters and other devastating circumstances, and recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity to assist Bryan-College Station residents with home repairs. “The best part about leading BTHO has been meeting those affected by disasters and seeing the direct impact we make in their lives,” Lamm said.

BTHO seeks gifts to fund supplies for its volunteer efforts in Houston and the Bryan-College Station community.

Give Online Now

12th Can

The 12th Can, a student-run food pantry affiliated with the Brazos Valley Food Bank, launched in 2013 to serve all students, faculty and staff in need of assistance. The organization conducts food drives, raises awareness about food insecurity and oversees a program that allows Aggies with excess meal swipes on their meal plans to donate them to students in need. “Aggies cannot reach their full potential as students and leaders if they’re worrying where their meals will come from,” said Director Michael Collum ’20. “The goal of the 12th Can is to ensure no Aggie ever goes hungry.”

HelpLine

Sometimes, a listening ear is the best medicine. HelpLine is an after-hours mental health service offered by Texas A&M Counseling & Psychological Services that is available to every Texas A&M student for confidential support, referrals and crisis interventions. Manned by empathetic student volunteers who undergo a rigorous 55-hour training period before they answer their first call, HelpLine assists individuals with whatever is troubling them. “Student welfare is the ultimate priority of not just HelpLine, but our entire university,” said Vy Tran ’16, a volunteer. “I believe HelpLine is the compassionate heart of Texas A&M.”

Career Closet

First impressions matter, especially in a job interview. Unfortunately, many college students cannot afford to purchase the necessary professional attire. That’s where the Career Closet, a Texas A&M student-run organization, helps Aggies dress for success. The organization allows students to rent business attire for interviews, networking events and other occasions for up to one week. “We have served more than 1,000 students since we opened in 2016, giving them the confidence to make an excellent first impression,” said Sophia Parrish ’20, executive director.

Emergency Care Team

A prime example of Aggies helping Aggies can be seen firsthand through the Texas A&M Emergency Care Team, an all-volunteer student organization that provides medical assistance to standby EMTs and first responders at major university events. Members help with physical assessments and first aid, allowing EMTs to focus on bigger issues and provide better emergency care. The group also administers first aid education and training to the Aggie student body. “Every member is passionate about what they do, and being part of Care Team showcases their empathy and work ethic,” President Madeline Ross ’21 said.

BTHO: Built to Help Others

After watching Hurricane Harvey devastate the Houston area, Schuyler Lamm ’19 and a few other Aggies founded Built to Help Others (BTHO). Initially, BTHO served more than 50 households and supported countless others in need after Harvey. Today, the organization exists to serve those affected by natural disasters and other devastating circumstances, and recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity to assist Bryan-College Station residents with home repairs. “The best part about leading BTHO has been meeting those affected by disasters and seeing the direct impact we make in their lives,” Lamm said.

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