Charles Dickens once said, “A very little key will open a very heavy door.” And it’s based on that philosophy that DSU is proud to introduce two of our very first initiatives: the Shawshank Book Drive and the Caring Cards Collection! It’s our hope that through these programs, we will be able to give back to the community that raised us, helping to improve people’s days and overall quality of life as we originally intended.

The Shawshank Book Drive is one of the first projects that DSU was planning on getting involved with, even before we were given the privilege to expand our membership across the community to so many different school systems. Originally a program to distribute old books to kids, the Shawshank Book Drive was almost dashed to the ground when there appeared to be no takers for the large amounts of books that were being amassed. However, noticing a distinct sparseness in prison libraries, DSU leadership decided not to disband the program and instead chose to switch targets. Now, DSU is planning on disseminating our collection of books to correctional facilities across the community, allowing prisoners to have a wider selection of reading material to choose from. Our hope is that by providing prisoners with these resources, we will be able to re-instill a love of learning and exploration while also reducing recidivism rates, goals that will allow for prisoners to smoothly re-integrate back into society while having plans for the future. Once the program has become a more reliable fixture in the community, we hope to partner with other local organizations, like the incredible Book Fair Foundation, which will help us to catalog all of the books we have gathered. So far, we have gathered over 500 books, and are still collecting more! If you have any old books that you would be willing to donate, please contact DSU leadership at dosomethingunconventional@gmail.com. While bricks build a sturdy house, books build a sturdy mind, and each book that we collect only allows for prisoners to strengthen and better themselves.

The Caring Cards Drive is an initiative that DSU has started in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in recognition of all of the essential workers who continue to go to work each day despite the risk of exposure. Though we are unable to provide any respite to these hard-working and, frankly, overburdened professionals, DSU came to the conclusion that it is our duty as citizens to give thanks to these people, who are so diligently doing their jobs even when not necessary. And thus the Caring Cards Drive was born; our members, and others who wished to express their gratitude, came together to create beautiful and heartfelt cards. Each little piece of paper is a symbol of our community’s love for these medical professionals, and hopefully, each drawing or cheerful phrase brings a smile to the recipient’s face.

Our goal with this program is to be able to send these cards to different institutions, whether they be post offices or large-scale medical facilities, across the community and surrounding cities with the help of members from branches around the state. While nothing could possibly match the bravery and compassion that these adults show each and every day, any chance to say thank you is one that we will gladly take. And DSU obviously has a lot of thanks to give; already, this program has collected 676 cards, and is always looking for more! If you would like to make a card or two to send to local essential workers, please contact DSU leadership at dosomethingunconventional@gmail.com. Even if you don’t think you’re the best artist or writer, don’t be afraid to show these essential workers your gratitude!

Art is a powerful thing. It can sustain us, define us, or explain for us what times were like. It can act as a model, a zeitgeist, or even a portent from time to time. Arguably, however, the most powerful aspect of art is its ability to heal us, especially in times of need. With the current situation of the world being one of chaos, dictated by guidelines and masks and in fear of a microscopic virus, people are in need of something to look forward to. In order to create this opportunity, DSU is partnering with Centerville High School’s Art Ascending Charity Art Auction in order to bring the beauty and majesty of art to those who may otherwise be unable to access it.

The Art Ascending Charity Art Auction is an organization that allows students from Centerville High School, whether they be artists or not, to collaborate and provide the empowering and uplifting nature of art to their community. By collecting artworks from students and putting them on display in the theater lobby of the high school, as well as through holding charity auctions, this organization is able to provide students with a way to give back to their community while earning service hours as well.

As is indicated by the name of the organization, the purpose of the Art Ascending Auction is to primarily raise money for local charities. When first organized in 2011, the club was able to raise $300 through the auctioning of donated artworks, and was able to raise even more the following year. However, due to the current state of affairs of the high school, and the rest of the world, the Art Auction organization is unable to showcase the beautiful works that are in the inventory of the club and is similarly unable to host in-person auctions to disseminate these gorgeous works.

In order to facilitate the distribution and sale of these artworks, DSU is partnering with the Art Ascending Charity Art Auction and will be hosting a virtual art auction in the winter. Through this program, the Art Auction will be able to fulfill it’s goal of utilizing art in order to impact communities and shape the future, and DSU will be able to raise money for its numerous projects, such as the book and games drive or virtual education programs.

There are many beautiful pieces up for auction that are in the inventory of the Art Auction club. These pieces range anywhere from the simplistic yet beautiful “Apple” to the intricate and complex “Bees.” In addition to pieces that have been created by students and donated to the club, a local artist and art teacher at Weller Elementary Nicole Wentz has donated a few pieces to the club for auctioning as well. Ms. Wentz has graciously donated a beautiful landscape and bowl, both made out of primarily felt! The full inventory of art pieces that are available is at https://sites.google.com/view/artascendingcharity/art-gallery?authuser=0, and you can contact the organization through its gmail, Instagram or Facebook account, all of which are linked at https://sites.google.com/view/artascendingcharity/contact?authuser=0.

The winter auction will be a great opportunity for local families and individuals to immerse themselves in the artistic ability of the students of Centerville High School. Additionally, by purchasing art for themselves, buyers will also be donating time and money to the city of Dayton, allowing for people to give back without having to use any of their already precious time. Thanks to the new 501(c)(3) status of DSU, no money that buyers spend will be eaten away by taxes, and every cent will be donated to local charities or towards the development of DSU to more easily complete our goals. More information about the winter art auction in partnership with the Art Ascending Charity Art Auction will be available soon; until then, feel free to browse the catalog and experience the power of art!