Millikin University sophomore Sophia Schwalbach is helping increase awareness about fire safety through an initiative called "The Nick Project." The communication major from Decatur, Ill., began the initiative in memory of her brother, Nick, who tragically lost his life in a house fire in June 2000.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from January 2000 to June 2015, there were 89 documented college campus fires that took 126 lives. Schwalbach's goal is to help educate students about fire prevention.
Schwalbach is working with the Decatur Fire Department and Millikin University to host "The Nick Drive," where her goal is to raise enough funds to hand out 50 fire ladders and extinguishers to students who live in off-campus housing. The total price for the ladders and extinguishers is $2,849.
"Fire safety and awareness is a topic that is not talked about enough amongst students, and it should be," said Schwalbach. "There are several components to The Nick Project; there are presentations, and now the fire extinguisher/ladder drive. My hope with The Nick Project is that students begin thinking and taking action to prevent fires from happening."
Greek Life at Millikin University will be hosting an event during Greek Week, April 3-9, called Penny Wars to help raise proceeds in financial support of the "The Nick Drive."
"The Nick Drive" will be held on Monday, May 8, in Lower Richards Treat University Center on Millikin's campus.
Checks can be made payable to Millikin University with "The Nick Drive" in the memo. Click here to make an online donation.