Coming Together for the Holidays

Student government annual food drive helps Big Rapids’ families in need

The third annual student government “Coming together for the holidays” food drive hopes to gather 7,500 pounds of food to help families in need.

“Many families are struggling even more this year, compared to previous years,” said Liz Cottrell, student government event cordinator. “Even if you can only afford to donate a few cans of soup, that could help feed someone for a day or so.”

The food drive, which gathered 6,100 pounds of food last year, will be held from Nov. 9 to Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. All proceeds will go to Project Starburst and the greater Big Rapids area. According to Western Michigan Food Banks (WMFB), over 38 million Americans do not have enough to eat. WMFB is also anticipating a multi-million pound shortfall between the need for food and food inventories this year.

Students, faculty, and residents can bring non-perishable food items to the student government office, Rankin 121, on Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Rec Center, Timme Center, and FLITE will also have donation boxes beginning Nov. 9. The music department will also assist the food drive by providing collection boxes at their fall concerts for the West Central Chamber Orchestra Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. and at the Band concert.

In addition to multiple donation boxes, there are several residence halls, registered student organizations (RSO) and Greek organization competitions. Student government would also like to get faculty and staff members involved to compete for their colleges.

“We want this to truly be a campus-wide food drive.” said Claire Gould, student government president.

Applications for competing are to be turned in to the student government office Nov. 3 by 5 p.m. Late applications will be accepted the first day of the food drive.

The Black Greek Council, Interfraternity Council, Panhelienic council, the Residence Hall Assocation and the National Residence Hall Honorary will co-sponsor this project. To find out more about this event or to download competition applications, visit the “The Coming together for the Holidays” Facebook page or contact Liz Cottrell in the student government office.

Additional Information

RSO competition prizes include: first place, catering credit, second place, a $50 Meijer gift card, third place, Dominos Pizza Party with donations from Dining Services, student government and Dominos Pizza.

Residence Hall Prizes include: $200 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place. Funds will be donated from RHA and NRHH. Greek Organization Prizes are $100 for first place, $70 for second and $30 for third with donations from Panhel, IFC and BGC.