Through Little 5 bike race, DePauw University students raise funds for United Way
PUTNAM COUNTY – For 70 years, DePauw University students have zoomed through Greencastle by bike each spring for a race that gives back.
Since it began in 1956, Little 5 has grown into a week-long event that supports and raises funds for local nonprofits and causes.
This week, Little 5 returns to Greencastle. And for a fifth year, Little 5 riders will be raising funds to support United Way of Central Indiana’s signature ReadUP program, a literacy initiative that sends volunteers into elementary schools across the region to read with third graders to help them get on track with grade-level literacy.
Since 2022, DePauw students have raised more than $72,800 for United Way through Little 5. And that amount is rising fast: Students are fundraising right now as they prepare for this week’s races.
United Way asked four participants to reflect on why giving back is important to them – and what advice they have for others who want to get involved in community service:
Charlotte Brooks
Charlotte is a DePauw senior, representing Delta Gamma. Charlotte has been the sorority’s Little 5 steering committee representative for three years.
Why is giving back to your community important to you?
Giving back to my community here in Putnam County has been especially important for me as an out-of-state student. Having no family here in Indiana, I hoped to find people who would welcome me as one of their own outside of campus. Participating in service opportunities was one of the ways I was able to get to know and connect with my community. I believe that everyone deserves to have their needs met, whether basic or otherwise, and I strive to always be a part of a community that welcomes others and helps its neighbors thrive!
Give to Charlotte’s fundraising campaign.
Jessica Garrison
Jessica is a DePauw junior, representing Kappa Kappa Gamma. A Little 5 committee member, Jessica has been involved for two years.
What advice do you have for other students who want to get involved in giving back but don't know where to start?
I truly believe the best way to start is small, and just say yes. I feel like we wait until we feel fully ready, but the reality is that getting involved begins with simply showing up. Especially during these college years, when our time and energy are such powerful resources, choosing to give back to the community that’s supporting us is incredibly meaningful. Even the smallest actions can create real impact, and once you start, it becomes something you genuinely care about and want to keep growing.
Give to Jessica’s fundraising campaign.
Molly Heller
Molly is a DePauw junior, representing Alpha Phi. Molly is a rider who has participated in Little 5 for two years.
What advice do you have for other students who want to get involved in giving back but don't know where to start?
For students who are looking to get involved in giving back but don't know where to start, take advantage of the opportunities offered to you on campus! Getting involved on campus offers a structured, organized, and collaborative opportunity to give back and is a great way to learn about the process while being supported by the organization and people around you. Through being involved in Little Five on campus, I have learned many transferable skills that I have been able to apply in opportunities to give back outside of the campus community. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be involved in supporting United Way and giving back to the greater Indiana community.
Give to Molly’s fundraising campaign.
Johnny Marshall
Johnny is a DePauw junior, representing Sigma Chi. A Little 5 rider, this is Johnny’s third year participating.
Why is giving back to your community important to you?
Giving back to community is important to me because it's easy to take for granted how everyone and everything around you provide constant support, so taking time to show some gratitude and be appreciative of others is always good. Humans were designed to live in community, and nobody can or should do life on their own. Giving back to the community allows others to experience the same opportunities I have, so it's important to show appreciation for what the community has done for me.