Thanksgiving is coming up and it is a time to celebrate what people are thankful for. Although, some people tend to forget those who are not able to spend Thanksgiving in a warm house full of food.
The National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week (HHAW) is held each year before Thanksgiving. This year, HHAW will be from Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 to Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017. During this week, everyone should share their compassion with those who are experiencing homelessness as they aim for a world where no one experiences hunger or homelessness.
Kean University is asking students to help those who are not as fortunate this week. The Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) will be hosting events throughout the week so students can raise awareness. In addition, Student Organization of Kean University will be collaborating with student groups to host informational tables and events.
During college hour on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, Student Organization will be having a food bank table in the Miron Student Center (MSC) atrium. During this tabling event, Student Organization will be raising money for the Community Foodbank of New Jersey. They will also have their annual Foodbank Luncheon on Monday, Nov. 13, 2017 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cougars Den. This luncheon includes a buffet lunch, desserts, drinks, and giveaways/prizes. Tickets for the luncheon are $5 for students and $10 for faculty/staff. Tickets can be purchased at the Wilkins Box Office.
CLS will be hosting Food For Thought: A Look at Food Insecurity throughout the week in the MSC room 228. During this event, students will learn about New Jersey's statistics on cost of living, experimenting with the difficulties of maneuvering a budget, and expelling myths surrounding hunger and homelessness in the state. At the end of the program, students will be making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that will be delivered to a local pantry.
All students are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or a new toiletry item to the program. All food donations will be donated to the Community Food Bank of Hillside and new toiletries will be donated to young, homeless, pregnant mothers at Raphael’s Life House.
The dates are as follows:
- Monday, Nov. 13 at 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 3 to 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Students can register at: https://kean.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/131355
CLS will be hosting the Stand Campaign-Hunger and Homelessness Awareness on the other day they are not hosting Food For Thought. They will be standing in support of and raising awareness for those who are experiencing hunger and homelessness in New Jersey. Students will be creating cardboard signs drawing attention to this specific social issue. After completing the display board and project orientation, volunteers will be able to sign up for the Stand Campaign shifts for Tuesday, Nov. 14. Students must choose an orientation date in addition to participating at the cougar walk.
These are the available times for Thursday, Nov. 9:
- 10:30 to 11 a.m.
- Noon to 12:30 p.m.
- 1 to 1:30 p.m.
These are the available times for Friday, Nov. 10:
- 11 to 11:30 p.m.
- 11:30 a.m. to noon
- 1 to 1:30 p.m.
This event is composed of two parts; making the signs and representing along the cougar walk. Those who volunteer will be able to get community service hours.
Students can register at: https://kean.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/131355
On Saturday, Nov. 18 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., CLS will harvest produce at Milford farm for their Grow-A-Row event. America's Grow-a-Row started in 2002 with a small plot of land and a single volunteer. With the help of over 7,000 volunteers annually, Grow-A -Row is now able to plant, pick, rescue, and donate over 1.2 million pounds of produce each year to hunger relief agencies throughout New Jersey. Their mission is to impact as many lives as possible by:
- Providing fresh, healthy produce to those in need
- Educating people of all generations about hunger and ways to help
- Introducing youth to farming and healthy eating
- Cultivating the habit of giving back
- Contributing to the sustainability of agriculture
If students wish to participate and volunteer for this event, they must pre-register on Cougar Link at https://kean.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/step/1?Guid=d8dd2df5-8baf-41fa-bc7b-e777413065cd.
Spaces will be limited, so students should sign up as soon as possible. When accepted, wear clothes that students will not mind getting messy.
The Catholic Newman Club will be hosting Soup for the Soul at MSC room 226 on Thursday, Nov. 16 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. A guest speaker from The Community Food Bank of NJ will be talking about hunger and homelessness while they join the students and enjoy free soup.
The Poetry Club will host a Bars For Blessings on Monday, Nov. 20 7 to 9:15 p.m. at Cougars Den. Admission will be donation based and the money will go toward creating winter care packages for the homeless. All care packages will be given to the non-profit organization Care For Homeless, located in New York City. To sign up for a spot on stage, email kupoetryclub@gmail.com and let them know if the performance will be poetry, rap, singers, etc. All talent is welcome.
There are so many events on campus for students to join, regardless if they are a commuter or a resident. Help out today by spreading awareness and providing for the community.
