“It Takes a Village”

Ashley De Shields

“A new student organization is looking for a helping hand in its mission to help LIU Post students in need of pay for their college textbooks.

Described by President Arianna Liverri as a club “for the students run by the students,” It Takes a Village seeks to help students pay for their textbooks, a necessity that many are finding it increasingly difficult to afford.

“The club doesn’t have a budget; it operates solely on donations,” Liverri, a senior Psychology major, said. “A majority of our money has come from ACP’s spring concert. When we co-sponsor events on campus, we receive half of the proceeds. Those proceeds form a scholarship for a student here at Post.”

But, the group can’t accomplish its mission without donations and new members. Club meetings are held in the Hillwood Commons TV Room during the Common Hour on Mondays. The meetings are not long, and when a student volunteers, there is flexibility in how he or she participates.

“For example, one student sat at a table and sold tickets for Runway,” Liverri explained.

Anyone who is willing to help is welcome, and being part of this club can also give you some community service hours. This is not a book drive; the group does not collect old textbooks for students. It is an organization that gives out scholarships to students, and it operates without outside help.

To apply for the scholarship, students should check their MyLIU emails for the application. Applicants must maintain a 2.5 GPA and have a current FAFSA. However, to be eligible to reapply for this scholarship, the recipients must help out and complete their six hours of community service to the Post community.

The amount of the scholarship is based on the number of donations the club receives. To find out how to help out, students can email the club at liupostvillage@gmail.com. Students should take part in this club to really have an impact on the Post community and lend a helping hand to an issue that nearly every student is affected by.

“Our slogan is,  ‘Your Penny + My Penny = Our Education,’” Livrerri said.