A group of Northern Michigan University students have found an innovative way to support a local nonprofit organization while also providing a valuable service to their peers. Through a business venture called BoxIT U.P., these students are using the sale of care packages and snack boxes to raise funds for Room at the Inn, a Marquette-based organization dedicated to assisting the city's growing homeless population.

Delivering Care and Compassion, One Box at a Time

Addressing Food Insecurity on Campus

The BoxIT U.P. initiative was born out of a class project, with the goal of making food more accessible for college students. The student-run business offers a convenient way for friends and family to send care packages and snack boxes to students, ensuring they have access to nourishing treats during their studies. By providing this service, BoxIT U.P. aims to alleviate the burden of food insecurity that many students face, particularly those living on campus.The business model is simple yet effective. Students can order care packages through the BoxIT U.P. website, selecting from a variety of snack and treat options. These boxes are then assembled and delivered directly to the recipient's dorm or apartment, ensuring they receive a much-needed boost of energy and comfort during their academic journey.

Channeling Profits to a Worthy Cause

But BoxIT U.P. is more than just a student-run snack delivery service. The founders have made a conscious decision to direct all of the business's net proceeds to Room at the Inn, a local nonprofit organization that provides shelter, meals, and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Marquette community.Orion Ingmire, one of the founding members of BoxIT U.P., explains the rationale behind this decision: "The cause that Room at the Inn is supporting is a growing issue in Marquette. Each summer, I see more and more people living on the street, so anything we can do to help that cause is absolutely important."By aligning their business venture with a local charitable organization, the BoxIT U.P. team is not only addressing the needs of their fellow students but also making a tangible impact on the broader Marquette community. This dual-pronged approach demonstrates the students' commitment to using their entrepreneurial skills to drive positive change.

Fostering a Culture of Giving

The BoxIT U.P. initiative goes beyond simply raising funds for Room at the Inn. It also serves as a platform to cultivate a culture of giving and community engagement among the student body. By encouraging friends and family to support their loved ones on campus through the care package service, BoxIT U.P. is fostering a sense of connection and care that extends beyond the classroom.Moreover, the business's focus on addressing food insecurity on campus aligns with the university's broader efforts to support student well-being and academic success. By providing a reliable source of nourishment and comfort, BoxIT U.P. is helping to create an environment where students can thrive and focus on their studies.

A Sustainable Model for Student Entrepreneurship

The success of BoxIT U.P. has not gone unnoticed. The student-run business has garnered attention from both the university community and local media, highlighting the potential for similar initiatives to emerge on college campuses across the country.The model employed by BoxIT U.P. – leveraging a for-profit venture to support a nonprofit organization – demonstrates the power of blending entrepreneurial spirit with a commitment to social responsibility. By creating a sustainable business that directly benefits the local community, the BoxIT U.P. team has set an inspiring example for their peers and future generations of student entrepreneurs.As the BoxIT U.P. initiative continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a testament to the ingenuity and compassion of the Northern Michigan University student body. Through their dedication to addressing the needs of their peers and the broader community, these students are not only making a tangible difference but also paving the way for a new era of student-led social impact.