The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is hosting a food and toiletries drive through the end of November, just in time for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week that runs from Nov. 16 to Nov. 22.
With the holidays approaching, CCESL associate director Natalie Newman, who is overseeing the drive, says it is more important than ever to help stock food pantries.
“A lot of people are depending on these services and these organizations right now to try to get through some of the harder parts of the year and some harder circumstances right now financially,” Newman said.
CCESL will be donating collected goods to seven local pantries: Homebase, Haywood Pathways, Cornbread and Roses, Haywood Christian Ministry, the Biltmore Park food pantry, the Community Table and the Cullowhee Valley Baptist Church.
CCESL is looking for any nonperishable, prepackaged food.
“A lot of times we hear from pantries that they have plenty of peanut butter but not a lot of jelly or jam,” Newman said.
Hygiene items like shampoo/conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toilet paper and diapers are also appreciated.
Students, faculty and community members can donate goods across campus at drop-off boxes found in the Health and Human Sciences Building, the University Center, Brown Hall, Hunter Library and the Campus Recreation Center.
CCESL has also compiled an Amazon wish list that allows donors to order goods to be directly sent to the CCESL office. CCESL also tabled at the Homecoming football game on Nov. 8 for the food and toiletries drive. Newman says several people asked for the QR code to donate online.
The food and toiletries drive has been well-received, Newman says. Earlier this week, CCESL received around 10 Amazon boxes of donations.
“We are hoping to see some more shipments come in, but we really want to make it an impact on all seven of those pantries,” Newman said. “So, we definitely have room for more food until we can make a big impact on those different organizations and their clients.”
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual, nationwide initiative to promote education and support for those facing hunger and homelessness. The week is sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness. Newman says CCESL will continue to share information about local resources throughout November.
“The timing is interesting because we are also seeing people go through a lot of struggles,” Newman said. “Everyone is struggling with high grocery prices and then the threats to benefits such as SNAP and WIC being cut, programs that have been cut or funding that has been cut with our local organizations.”
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