DU fraternity rent themselves to aid HSPC cause

For the second year in a row, DePauw University's Delta Upsilon fraternity asked Putnam County and Greencastle community residents to "Rent a DU."

For a modest donation to the Humane Society of Putnam County, the DU men lent a helping hand to local residents with a variety of household projects. They performed tasks such as spreading mulch, cleaning windows and climbing ladders to replace light bulbs.

All work was done during one weekend in April.

Fraternity members Caleb Lehman, the project chairman, and Nathan Fox attended the Humane Society's May board meeting, surprising the organization with a $2,390 donation.

Lehman told the board Delta Upsilon is committed to helping the Humane Society reopen its shelter and remain open through this project.

"Rent a DU" is an ongoing annual spring event for the fraternity.

"We're not only helping the Humane Society," Lehman said. "We have found that homeowners often do not have the time or ability to do a lot of common household tasks. They appreciate our help.

"Unfortunately, we had to turn down some requests for help. We were completely booked."

HSPC board members commented on the uniqueness of the fraternity's fundraising project. While raising money, the DUs also are performing services that many people, including board members, really want or need.

Board President Lynn Bohmer summarized that the event as a "win-win" situation -- "a win for the Humane Society and a win for the busy homeowners of Putnam County."