Chowan Cares is a week-long event hosted by Chowan University Campus Ministry.  This annual event was created by Minister to the University, Rev. Mari Wiles, to give the entire campus an opportunity to serve with Campus Ministry.  Now in its thirteenth year, Chowan Cares Week creatively invites the talent of students, faculty, and staff for a meaningful week of service.

On November 4, Chowan Cares kicked off with a knitting and crocheting class. Members of the faculty and staff from athletics, student life, and the library taught participants how to make scarves.  The next day students made handcrafted Christmas cards. After exams in December, these scarves and cards will be transported in suitcases of the Chowan mission team to Portland, Maine. These items will be shared with Preble Street, an organization assisting those experiencing homelessness.   

Mid-week, the Chowan community was encouraged to say “thank you” to the individuals who serve behind the scenes on campus. Kind words and tokens of appreciation were shared across campus.   

The week concluded with an International Justice Mission (IJM) event, "Threads: A Pop-Up Thrift Shop to End Slavery." For two days student volunteers hosted the thrift store with donated items from faculty, staff, and students.  This was a positive way for students to raise funds and educate shoppers about the serious issue of modern-day slavery. Senior education major and IJM chapter president, Elena Escobar explained the mission behind the fundraiser, “All the funds go towards helping eradicate slavery all around the world. This non-profit organization sends 100% of the money earned to other countries to liberate girls from sex-traffickers.”  

As Rev. Wiles reflected on all the positive outcomes of the week, “I am constantly humbled how our Chowan students are willing and ready to always be apart of the solution and not more of the problem.  Chowan truly does Care.” 

For more information on Chowan Campus Ministry, please contact Rev. Mari Wiles get involved, please contact Mari Wiles at 252-398-6268 or wilesm@chowan.edu.