Prior to her 21st birthday in December, Lorae Bonamy, Class of 2016, stood in her residence hall over several large cardboard boxes, sorting toiletries and other items into neat piles.

“There’s a lot more here than I expected,” she said while surveying the soaps, lotions and winter hats before her. “But none of it will go to waste; there are so many in Philadelphia who are in need.”

Bonamy had decided to forego a traditional birthday celebration. In lieu of gifts or a big party, she started the 21 Days of Love campaign to raise awareness about and collect donations for the homeless in Philadelphia.

“I wanted to plan a party, but then I started thinking that I could use this moment to shift the attention to someone who needs it more than me,” she said.

Bonamy collected several bins of toiletries from classmates, professors and others, and her Kickstarter campaign easily met its $1,000 fundraising goal. Bonamy also organized a benefit concert, where she collected donations instead of charging an entrance fee, and an educational workshop on homelessness.

On Friday, Dec. 19, Bonamy held a prayer walk through downtown Philadelphia. The campaign ended on Christmas Day with a group volunteering event at the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission.

“All I want to do now is extend my hand to those who have fallen on hard times. I am not a millionaire. I don't have endless funds. But I do have a desire to serve.” said Bonamy. “From here, it is my hope that others will see the vision and support others in need.”