Central Michigan Life

Volunteers are out in the cold this week to support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Kesseler Hall Council is sponsoring a “box sit” in front of the Bovee University Center this week. Volunteers from Kesseler, Campbell and Kulhavi halls are collecting donations for Sexual Assault Peer Advocates, which provides assistance to victims of sexual assault.

“We’re planning to have people at the box 24 hours a day until Friday,” said Mikhael Blackwell, Kingston sophomore and Kesseler Hall Council president.

Blackwell said people who want to help can sign up for two-hour shifts at either the Kesseler Hall front desk or the box outside of the BUC.

Blackwell said the purpose of the box sit is to take donations and make students aware of SAPA and what the organization does.

Bill Freas, Wyoming senior and box sit volunteer, said the group is doing well even though many other charities are seeking donations this time of year.

Letitia Costilla, Kesseler Hall director, said students can call the confidential crisis hotline at 774-2255 for assistance at any time.

“SAPA is a group of students that have undergone extensive training so they can help victims of harassment, stalking, domestic violence and rape,” Costilla said.

SAPA also provides students with rape kits. Funding for the kits is one of the big reasons for the fund-raiser.

“SAPA needs money to provide this service to students,” she said. “They normally cost around $200 and are needed to collect and test evidence in sexual assault cases.”

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