by Ashley Sanders – Staff Writer – [email protected]
A bright, fire-engine red double-decker bus with a cause parked in the middle of campus on Monday.
The big red bus represents a nonprofit, faith-based organization called the Red Bus Project. Founded two years ago in Franklin, Tenn., by Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, the Red Bus Project is part of the Show Hope movement founded 10 years ago. Organizers said the project provides students with a simple way to be involved with orphan care and to make an impact in the world.
“There are more than 140 million orphans in the world. Every 18 seconds, a child becomes an orphan. The money we earn here goes toward helping orphans find forever homes,” said Chris Wheeler, a staff member from Franklin, Tenn.
Acting as a “mobile thrift store,” the bus is for college kids, by college kids. Nowadays, many students are thrifting to find unique pieces and to save money. Students can donate clothes, jewelry, shoes and more to the Red Bus Project and buy trendy, used clothes for as cheap as $1.
Currently on its third tour, the bus rides through the Southeast, visiting 18 different campuses at a rate of one campus a day. Organizers said they plan to travel all across America.
Caitlin Angermeyer, recent alumni of UNCA, helped out with the Red Bus Project on campus this year.
“Orphan care is near and dear to my heart,” Angermeyer said.
Organizers said they appreciate all donations and volunteers.
“We invite all college students to join us and make a difference,” Wheeler said.
For more information and to find out how you can help, visit redbusproject.org.