SRSGA announces ‘We CAN Make A Difference’ food drive
Jan. 16, 2019
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - For students at Slippery Rock University, a culture of caring is more than just a catch phrase in the University's vision statement. It's a way of life.
To prove it, the Student Government Association is calling for all students - as well as faculty and staff - to bring nonperishable food items when they return to campus for the spring semester. Food that can be donated to the SGA Student Food Bank or the Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard in Slippery Rock.
"We know our campus community can make a difference in helping to address food insecurity issues in the community," said Dallas Kline, a senior communication major from Hanover and SGA president. "Half of college students in recent published studies say they are either not getting enough to eat or are worried about it. A layoff, an accident or other unexpected event such as the recent government shutdown can have a huge impact on students and families already struggling to make ends meet.
"If the rest of our campus community is like me, with the holidays having come and gone, they might be feeling the sense of goodwill that comes from having already given to those in need. But according to experts, the pangs of hunger are felt the sharpest during the months just after the holidays because in January and February donations only trickle in."
And that's where students, faculty and staff "CAN" make a difference in helping to address food insecurity by contributing nonperishable food items through a special "We CAN Make A Difference" food drive, Jan 21-23.
"When students are packing to return to campus and their parents, grandparents or others ask, 'Is there anything else you need?,' tell them 'Yes - whatever nonperishable food items we have in the cupboard.' Once they explain that we're doing all we CAN to help those in need, I know they'll get loaded up before they return to campus."
Donations of nonperishable food items can be dropped off at collection bins located at the Smith Student Center: one at the Information Desk and the other outside the SGA office, inside The Suite, on the second floor. Kline asks that all donations be dropped off before 5 p.m., Jan. 23.
"This is a great way to help those in need in our community," said Kline. "I can't wait to show Slippery Rock just what we CAN do when we all come together."
MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robb.king@sru.edu