On April 23, Lumberjacks throughout the world will come together online and on social media to support each other and help their communities on the second annual NAU Giving Day.
The day will focus on Axe of Kindness—helping people through giving blood, offering service, writing a thank-you note, sewing masks, checking in on a neighbor or ordering take-out or a gift from a locally owned restaurant or other business. For one NAU student who moved out of her residence hall early, her Axe of Kindness was a note to the custodian who cleaned her hall. An NAU staff member is spending her time sewing blue and gold masks. Louie T. Lumberjack has ideas on how to help as well.
People who are interested in donating money can find three emergency funds:
- LEAF COVID-19 fund, which provides micro-grants to students who are struggling to pay rent, acquire a computer so they can do online classes or pay for health care. The number of students who have received checks from this fund has doubled in April, with $59,000 being distributed to 236 students. Students who need to apply for a LEAF grant can visit the Dean of Students website.
- Louie’s Cupboard, the on-campus food pantry, which started as a student project in 2012, has seen a 66 percent increase in visitors from this time last year.
- NAU Rapid Response Fund, which was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides funds to student programs, scholarships and research when the regular avenues are disrupted so NAU’s mission of student success and world-renowned research can continue.
There are many other needs as well, both in Flagstaff and wherever members of the NAU community live. Participants can share the good deeds already performed, one you’re currently doing and what you’re committed to do on the Giving Day website and on social media with the hashtag #AxeofKindness and include pictures or videos of their day. Learn more and access fun social media graphics through the Axe of Kindness toolkit.
“This day epitomizes a culture of philanthropy,” said Rickey N. McCurry, vice president of advancement and CEO of the NAU Foundation. “An increased surge in the Lumberjack spirit, taking care of others and making the world a better, brighter place is what philanthropy looks like at NAU. I am proud to be a part of this strong and resilient Lumberjack community and am eager to witness the global impact of #AxeofKindness.”
Join us on Facebook Live
Throughout the day on Thursday, NAU Alumni will be live on the Alumni Association Facebook page, sharing relevant updates and entertainment. In each live session, co-hosts, including faculty, staff, alumni and students, will show a variety of perspectives and experiences. During the 5 p.m. live broadcast with chapter leaders, alumni chapter leaders from all over the country, including Washington, D.C., San Diego, Flagstaff, Yuma and others, will gather virtually for a celebration of #AxeOfKindness happening all over the country and drum up excitement as we head into the evening.
10-10:30 a.m.: Student Life update
Noon to 1 p.m.: Art Museum tour and art lesson
2-2:30 p.m.: Student music performance
5-6 p.m.: Alumni chapter region check-in with chapter leaders