|
|
Home > Student Life > Registered Student Organizations > Center for Public Service > Special Events > Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods > 2006 Pictures
2006 Pictures
A Boo-tiful Time to Donate
By Theresa Schmidt
Published in The McKendree Review Nov. 7, 2006
It was a beautiful, crisp autumn evening; the birds were singing merrily and the skies were bright and welcoming. I wish I could say that this was case for the Center for Public Service’s annual Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods drive, but crisp does not quite encompass the bitter thirty-eight degree weather the participants experienced, not to mention the threatening rain clouds looming overhead. Would McKendree students let nasty weather ruin their fun? The more than thirty people that showed up eager and excited to help out with such a good cause proved otherwise. Commented Lindsay Robertson, “It just puts a fun spin on community service work.” Decked in their finest Halloween attire, the volunteers went door-to-door all over the city of Lebanon to ask citizens to Trick-or-‘Donate’ in order to collect canned goods for the Lebanon food pantry. Said first-time volunteer Katie Richter, “It was fun to be able to act like a kid again for a good cause.” The group certainly spared no expense in getting dressed up. Among the ensemble included a pirate, a wizard, a slice of pizza, a jailbird, a penguin, two clowns and a cowboy. Remarked “Doctor” Jennifer Fletcher on why she participates each year: “It’s a lot of fun and you get to get McKendree’s name out into the neighborhood.” The group certainly achieved that goal. Stated yearly donator Mrs. Vandeloo: “I like to see McKendree’s involved in the community. I’ve always made sure to have my canned goods ready for you; it’s really a worthwhile cause.” All of the food collected goes to the Lebanon Food Pantry, which distributes the food to all the needy families in Lebanon and Summerfield. The Pantry works out of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and will soon begin creating Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to deliver to needy families. For those participants who enjoyed the experience, the Lebanon Food Pantry needs help organizing shelves, taking inventory, making up the baskets, and, according to staff member Christine Wildes, “We can use all the help we can get.” The Food Pantry can be reached at 618-537-4991 and its office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30 P.M. For more information on Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods, or any of the community service opportunities available at McKendree, contact the Center for Public Service at 618-537-6900 or by e-mail at mckcps@mckendree.edu. Happy Halloween!
2006 Pictures
|