April 28, 1998

'Drive Hunger Out:'donate canned goods

Pete Eubanks, Staff  Writer

The high country was hit hard by floods this winter,  and families need help.
 
Seven students from the Appalachian State University Social Work Department are coordinating a community project called “Drive Hunger Out.”  The students are collecting canned foods and other non-perishable items for the Watauga County Hunger Coalition.

The Hunger Coalition is an emergency food relief agency which currently serves 1,820 families in Watuaga, Avery and Ashe counties.

According to Jennifer Moretz, a student working on the project, all types of families are served by the Hunger Coalition. “No one is denied (help from our organization),” said Moretz.

The Hunger Coalition also has a small cash assistance program which helps people pay for electricity and a free pharmacy where people can have certain prescriptions filled.
 
Students from the Social Work Department have two goals, according to project participant, Lori Jenkins.

The first goal is to raise awarness on campus for the Hunger Coalition, and the second goal is to help the Hunger Coalition with their efforts.

Participants have placed boxes in all of the residence halls on campus for donations.

Last Wednesday, students from the Social Work Department set up an information table in the Plemmons Student Union to raise awareness about the project.

According to Jenkins, the “Drive Hunger Out”  program has been a success so far.

“We’ve actually been surprised about how students have responded,” said Jenkins.

A table for donations will be set up on Sanford Mall Wednesday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Moretz encourages people to come out and donate canned foods and money, if possible.

Items the Hunger Coalition needs most are canned meats, powdered milk, soups, juices, baby food, toothbrushes, toothpaste and feminine products.
 
 

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