While many student organizations raise money by selling bratwursts or discount cards for local businesses, one group is taking a different approach to fundraising.

Students Planning for Success is collecting unwanted ink-jet cartridges and inactive cell phones to raise money for their organization.

SPS is an on-campus organization that focuses on supporting and encouraging students with disabilities. Priscilla Hahn, learning specialist at student support services and adviser for SPS, said the organization also works to inform students at UW-Platteville about the different disabilities in the community.

One of the ways the organization has done this in the past is by inviting speakers to talk to students about their personal stories living with disabilities. They also hold showings of informational videos to help educate students about disabilities.

“[The speakers] are very helpful and informative, especially for students with hidden disabilities,” Hahn said.

The organization holds fundraisers throughout the year to raise money to invite speakers to campus. In the past they have sold walking tacos and candy grams. SPS hopes to have at least one more fundraiser this spring.

The money they collect from fundraisers goes to disability awareness and the programs they offer every semester. They donate some of the money to other organizations on campus as a way to help out, and also to the community through programs like Habitat for Humanity and Family Advocates. Amanda Richardson, president of SPS, said the money they raise is also given as scholarships to UW-P students with disabilities.

The SPS will be collecting unwanted ink-jet cartridges and inactive cell phones for the rest of the school year. They are hoping to raise enough money to invite a speaker to campus in the fall semester of 2010 and offer scholarships to disabled students. Boxes for inactive cell phones are located in the Brigham Hall entrance, Warner Hall’s first floor, the student housing office in Royce Hall and the ticket office in Ullsvik Hall. Ink-jet cartridges can also be dropped off in Hahn’s office in 113 or 109 Warner Hall.