The University is collecting items as part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. It's one of several initiatives to bring attention to the issues that are being planned by the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning.
The University is collecting donations for the Cal U Cupboard food pantry as the campus participates in Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, a national initiative that draws attention to those two issues.
Highlighting the drive is a “parking space” food collection. Donations of microwaveable macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and rice, or other nonperishable items may be dropped off 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 14 in front of Manderino Library and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 21 in Lot 17, behind the Natali Student Center.
To schedule a separate pickup, email calucupboard@calu.edu or call 724-938-4793.
The creative collection idea came from the Office of Parking and Transportation.
“In meeting with our students, they wanted to again address hunger awareness and do something a little different to call attention to this issue,” said director Chris Johnston. “So, we set up some barricades to identify the spots, but the goal is to try to get as many donations as we can and highlight this this important issue.”
Boxes have been placed in each Vulcan Flyer shuttle as well.
Diane Hasbrouck, director of the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning, commended students for their enthusiasm.
“Hunger and Homelessness is a national weeklong event, but it is a serious issue that affects many people every day,” she said. “Our students are doing an outstanding job focusing their service and community efforts on matters that are significant,” she said.
“The Cal U Cupboard is something that certainly helps our students in need, and this week greatly supports this.”
Food donation boxes will remain in residence halls for students who wish to drop off non-perishable foods before winter break.
Other Hunger and Homelessness Week events include:
Nov. 14 —What’s the T? will address hunger and food insecurity with a presentation by a representative by the Pittsburgh Food Bank at 11 a.m. in Vulcan Theatre, inside the Natali Student Center. What’s the T? Thoughtful Discussions About National Narratives, is a monthly series sponsored and developed by the Student Affairs Diversity Committee.
Nov. 15 — To raise awareness of homelessness, students will build and “live in” cardboard houses from noon to 6 p.m. in the Performance Center inside the Natali Student Center. Setup begins at 8 a.m. A winter clothing collection to benefit the City Mission in Washington, Pa., will also be held.
Nov. 17 — As part of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Fall Food Share Drive, Cal U students will pass out pamphlets with needed food items at the Giant Eagle in Bentleyville, Pa., from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. as well as collect any donated food at the store exit.
Nov. 18 — A poverty simulation by Just Harvest will be held in the Performance Center inside the Natali Student Center from 6-8 p.m. Just Harvest is a nonprofit organization that uses informational outreach and poetry simulations to explain sustainable solutions to hunger’s true causes.
Nov. 19 — Students will pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the City Mission in Washington, Pa., from 4-6 p.m. in Natali 206-207.
Nov. 20 — From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., students will make Thanksgiving crafts to be included in bags for Good Eats, a weekend feeding program throughout the school year for children at California Elementary.
Nov. 21 — Students will pack hygiene bags for high school students from 5-6 p.m. in Natali 206-207.