At a liberal arts school, one of the last things you might expect is vigorous student support for U.S. soldiers in Iraq. But for many active St. Mary’s College of Maryland students, it’s just par for the course.

 Jeffrey Faith is president of For Goodness’ Sake, a student club with an apolitical, humanitarian approach to activism. He supervised an on-campus drive for Operation Homefront, a national charity organization which collects monetary support for soldiers currently serving in Iraq. The club raked in over $500 for the charity during the weeklong drive.

 Amanda Reynolds, vice president of FGS, suggested this particular fundraiser. “Fundraising for Operation Homefront was a great way to let the students of St. Mary's show their appreciation for our troops.  We had a lot of support from the campus community, and almost everybody tried to donate something.  I think this really shows that, despite the different opinions we may have about politics, we all care a great deal about our troops and want to help them in any way we can."

 Katy Arnett, assistant professor of education, has a loved one who recently served. “When I first heard about the various campus groups working to support Operation Homefront, I was immediately moved.  I know first-hand what stress is involved when a spouse is serving in a war zone, and it's gestures like these fundraising efforts--and the work of Operation Homefront--that can really help family members who are stateside better manage such a difficult time.”

 For Goodness’ Sake has raised awareness and funds for a variety of humanitarian causes, including local homeless shelters and soup kitchens. Their next cause is animal rights.