Campus Update: Hofstra University

By Robyn Goldman
KOACH Intern

For a campus that had never heard of KOACH before, Hofstra's making strides in learning about KOACH and participating in events. Our biggest challenge has been getting our name out there. We paired with Phi Eta Sigma, an honors society on our campus, to collect donations for kids who would be spending the holidays in one of the local hospitals. One of the main goals I had for this event was to really make KOACH a name that was known on campus. By pairing with a well-known (and very large) group, we were able to exceed our goals and gain attention on campus. While we collected items and money in the Atrium of our Student Center, we had a huge banner about KOACH, which did attract a lot of attention and questions. To my joy and surprise, we collected over $200 to buy toys and blankets, and were able to make 30 Build-A-Bears for the kids. We also collected bags and bags of toys, games, and books that were all donated. On December 15, we hand-delivered the gifts to the hospital and got to see firsthand the difference we were able to make. The kids were so excited to get their bears. I know that as far as the levels of tzedakah go, it's not as good to donate when both parties know each other, but in this case, I think the personal touch made all the difference in the world. One of the nurses told me that one of the patients I had met hadn't smiled since she'd been there, and that she was more animated and happy when I was in the room than the nurse had ever seen her. That experience, in addition to making me feel amazing, helped me to see just how big of a difference a few people can make and how to best help others in the future.

Now that our name is out there, we're looking forward to bigger and better events. Several of my friends and I are spending January session figuring out how to establish a strong Conservative minyan on campus. That's been one of my goals since I first arrived on campus in 2008, so if by 2010 we are able to accomplish that, I'll be thrilled. Plans are also in the works for a chocolate seder, a bowl-a-thon to help children with Special Needs become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah (run by the Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel), and many other exciting events. I believe that this is the beginning of great things to come from Hofstra KOACH!

[Posted 12/16/09]