If given the opportunity to give back to the community, would you take it? Nicole Abraham, a senior political science major at Clemson, did just that.
Abraham transferred to Clemson as a junior and enrolled in a communication course with Dr. Lori Pindar. Throughout the duration of the class, the professor emphasized the importance of giving back to the community.
Abraham has always had a heart for service and was looking for ways to give back. As an older sister to three younger brothers, she has always loved children and wanted to help those who were less fortunate.
She recognized that not all children are born into a strong support system with all the necessities to thrive. Hence, her desire to provide for local foster children was born.
One of Pindar’s course requirements was that each student meet with her individually. It was in this meeting that Abraham presented her idea for the first time.
Pindar — once Abraham brought up her ideas — was able to walk Abraham through the steps of how to build a nonprofit organization.
To create a nonprofit organization in South Carolina, Abraham needed to achieve eight different steps: the first, choosing a name. Abraham needed to brainstorm a name for the organization that fit her ideas.
“So then I came up with the name Illuminate Lives, because my favorite compliment is … being a light in someone’s life. So … Illuminate Lives fit that bill,” Abraham said in an interview with The Tiger.
The other seven steps include appointing a board of directors, filing Articles of Incorporation, creating bylaws, holding an initial organizational meeting, applying for an employment identification number and obtaining the necessary business license, as well as federal and state tax exemptions.
However, creating an organization on Clemson’s campus looks a little different compared to the state. In order to create a page on TigerQuest, Abraham assembled a group of the six required members, which was composed of friends and fellow students.
Abraham realized that with her busy schedule at Clemson, she would not be able to regularly volunteer at foster shelters, but realized that she could support these shelters by organizing donation drives.
Last Christmas, for instance, the group organized an Angel Tree drive. The local shelter said they needed shoes, and through generous donations, Illuminate Lives Foundation was able to provide each child with two new pairs.
For Valentine’s Day, ILF wrote each child their own personalized note and tucked it into a goody bag with their favorite snack.
Abraham also noted that her main goals were to “mainly … try to … put a smile on their faces,” whether that be the children who are less fortunate, homeless shelters that house children or children in the foster care system.
As of right now, Abraham is the sole member of the organization’s leadership team. The other members of the group contribute to the fundraising and collection efforts as they’re able.
The organization currently has 17 members and hopes to continue growing on campus.
Abraham schedules quarterly meetings to go over a game plan for the upcoming weeks and months. Oftentimes, the group paints boxes together for their collection drives.
She notes that her members make all the difference when it comes to organizing drives and donating their time to bring this organization together. “I wouldn’t be able to do anything without them,” Abraham said in regards to the members.
In the past few weeks, Illuminate Lives has been collecting sweaters of all sizes to bring to Our Daily Rest, a homeless shelter in Seneca.
This collection is the first time ILF has worked with a homeless shelter, which is one of the ways they aim to expand their impact on the community. By expanding its presence into different communities, the foundation is able to “illuminate” more lives impacted by struggles.
However, a little over a week into its sweater drive, one of the sweater donation boxes was stolen. The organization, although disheartened by this action, is committed to working even harder to serve the local homeless population.
In June, Illuminate Lives Foundation was filed as a nonprofit in the state of South Carolina, according to Bizapedia.
Also in June, ILF hosted a fundraiser at HeyDay Sandwiches and Cocktails in Greenville, South Carolina. Ten percent of the proceeds from the afternoon at the restaurant were donated to the foundation. Supporters traveled near and far to help raise money for the cause. Even some of Abraham’s friends and family from Florida were in attendance.
After graduation, Abraham hopes to become a community impact director for a sports team or agency. In this role, she intends to continue the mission of ILF, regardless of where she ends up.
Although she will be graduating in December, Abraham hopes that the organization can continue at Clemson if someone is willing to take over the reins.
During her time at Clemson, Abraham has “realized that people really do want to give back, but a lot of people don’t know how.”
To get involved, Abraham suggests that students who are interested should follow the ILF’s Instagram account @illuminatelivesclemson.
On this page, Illuminate Lives shares regular updates on the work they’re doing and how to get involved.
ILF is selling its newly designed sweatshirts on the Instagram page until Oct. 4. This one-of-a-kind merchandise features “Illuminate Lives” on the front, and Matthew 5:16 NIV, “let your light shine before others,” on the back.
Additionally, students can join the organization on TigerQuest.
Just as “Clemson … turned on the light bulb” for Abraham, it may do the same for others as well. Clemson has incredible faculty members and mentors who are cheering for student success and contributing to the community around them.
By starting a charitable organization like Abraham did, students give their peers an avenue to support their community.
To other students wishing to start their own organizations on campus, Abraham says that communication and consistency are critical for success.
There are three categories for student organizations: independent student organizations, independent councils and delegated student organizations. Most of the 500-plus organizations at Clemson fall under the ISO category.
To be eligible for registration, new and inactive organizations are required to meet with a student organization consultant, according to Student Affairs. More information about student organizations can be found on the Clemson Student Affairs website.
By getting involved in organizations on campus, every Clemson student has the opportunity to be the light in someone else’s life.
