A double-decker thrift store is set to roll onto Lee University’s campus Wednesday, March 16 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Red Bus Project, part of the nonprofit organization Show Hope, aims to give students the opportunity to help orphans around the world.

“Show Hope and the Red Bus Project is an incredible opportunity to raise awareness about orphan care,” said Jill Welborn, director of Student Development at Lee. “We are excited to host them on our campus once again.”

The Red Bus Project’s mission is developing student leaders to mobilize their community to care for orphans. With the help of a double-decker bus turned into a rolling thrift store, students have an opportunity to engage with staff and interns who inform them of the global orphan crisis. The amount of money raised through the thrift store goes toward continuing orphan care advocacy.

Chris Wheeler, Show Hope’s director of student initiatives, is responsible for the Red Bus Project. He believes that students have a desire to make an impact in the world around them.

“Nothing speaks louder to a student than a student. Therefore, our role is to give student leaders opportunities to leverage their influence for the sake of children,” said Wheeler. “The Red Bus Project is an invitation to lead students toward making a huge impact in the global orphan crisis through simple steps of action.”

In addition to Lee, the bus will travel to 23 additional schools this spring to connect with student leaders. After the bus leaves a campus, the staff continues to engage and develop students, giving them the resources they need to impact their community.

The Red Bus Project began its mission as Show Hope’s student initiative in 2012. Since then, they have helped students from more than 130 colleges throughout the United States take action to care for orphans.

Show Hope, founded by Grammy award-winning Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth in 2003, works to restore the hope of a family to orphans in distress. Since then, Show Hope has helped more than 5,000 children from 50 different countries including the United States.

In addition to giving grants, Show Hope also provides attentive care for orphans with acute medical and special needs in China, equips families with the training and attachment resources needed to care for their children, and prepares the next generation to care for orphans through student initiatives.

For more information about their mission and tour, visit Red Bus.