Samantha Hirschman | Assistant News Co-Editor

Buena Vista University (BVU) ministries collaborates with the Urban Plunge every year to bring BVU students an opportunity to explore their horizons and experience a larger view of life. Campus chaplain, Ken Meissner, arranges the annual trip. Last weekend, a group of 25 students went to Omaha along Meissner and mail and printing specialist, Daniel Newcomb. Newcomb is originally from Omaha.

The Urban Plunge inspired many of the volunteers that attended the Urban Plunge. While in Omaha, students visited a ministry, The Beautiful Gate, located on 30th Street. This area has had to deal with gentrification in the neighborhood. The Beautiful Gate has had the blessing of paying the monthly rental fee for the building all through donations. The students wanted to do something to help The Beautiful Gate. They decided that they wanted to help them by donating items from the students at BVU.

“Heidi inspired me. Her life inspired me; her faith in God and how she is raising her children. The fact that Heidi can rely on faith to pay for The Beautiful Gate was amazing,” sophomore communications major Kristina Grossman said.

Pack the Van is the students’ way of giving back. Students are asking that the community donate clothing, food, or anything they might like to give away. Since the weather has started to shift from cool to cold, it would be very helpful if the community would donate any winter clothing including gloves, hats, and socks.

A donation box can be found in the mailroom for those who would like to donate. The sponsors ask that all offerings be in the mailroom by November 26, as Newcomb will be taking them to Omaha over Thanksgiving break.