JSU students help those in need during CSCEL food drive

Canadace Chambers
Blue & White Flash / News Editor

Colorfully wrapped cardboard boxes featuring snowmen and ornaments can be seen across campus as the Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning strives to provide items for needy individuals in the community.

Whole cut green beans, peanut butter, sweaters, and socks are some of the items the CSCEL are collecting for its Canned Food and Coats, Sweaters, and Socks Drive. For the 5th year, the center has collected goods to distribute throughout the Jackson area.

Stewpot Community Services Inc., The Hope House of Hospitality, Gateway Rescue Mission, and the Sims House are local organizations that have received donations in previous years. The center also adopts families throughout the holidays.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, families are preparing for seasoned Butterball turkeys with dressing and searching for deals on new items, such as the iPhone 5 and the Skylanders Giants video game for the children. But, many families are less fortunate and often rely on community organizations and shelters to donate needed items, in order to enjoy the holiday season.

CSCEL Coordinator, Eltease Moore, urges for everyone to participate in the drive.

“We at JSU should give to those less fortunate than ourselves,” said Moore.

Gisele N. Gentry, Assistant Director of Service Learning, also believes that everyone should give to those who are less fortunate.

“It’s all about giving. If somebody has given to you, you should give back,” said Gentry.

Since many individuals need assistance, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year, Gentry hopes the center will host drives year-long because it is essential to help others.

JSU students also feel that the canned food/clothing drive is an excellent and beneficial way to give back to the community.

Jasmine Ash, a senior elementary education major from Atlanta, Ga. said, “The drive greatly benefits areas that desperately need it. We should reach out to the surrounding areas around JSU first, before anyone else.”

Shanesha Johnson, a senior early family childhood education major from Sallis, Miss. had similar views.

“Some families are not able to buy clothes and food because they are too expensive. Their food stamps may carry over, but they may not be enough. It’s getting cold and clothes may be too expensive to buy for their children.”

Johnson added, “As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child. Everybody in the community should lend a helping hand, especially during the holiday season.”

The Canned Food and Coast, Sweaters, and Socks Drive, which began on Oct. 1, will continue through Dec. 7. The most needed non-perishable foods are canned foods and vegetables, canned meats and fish, canned soups, stews, and chili, pasta, tomato sauce, beans, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and powdered milk. New and gently worn coats will be accepted for children and adults. Socks must be new.

Donations can be delivered to the CSCEL office located on the first floor of the Jacob L. Reddix Building or to the many bins located across campus.