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RELEASED: Nov. 17, 2003
DANVILLE, KY—Centre students are actively involved in issues of hunger and homelessness. In an effort to raise awareness about these important social problems, several Centre student organizations are sponsoring a week full of activities that simulate and expose participants to the realities of poverty. Visit photo page from past events.
Centre's annual Hunger and Homelessness Week is Nov. 17-22. Activities will include a clothing drive, a coffeehouse with performers from Louisville shelters, a hunger-simulation banquet, a shoe drive and a homeless sleep-out. There will also be a basket raffle to raise money for the HOPE Center (a shelter in Lexington), the Panhellenic Council will be serving food at the Salvation Army and students will fast (the meal money they would normally spend will be donated to a world hunger relief organization). Numerous service opportunities will take place Nov. 22.
"I've been impressed with the initiative students have taken in planning this week," said Trina McFarland, director of service and leadership development at Centre. "An important part of this week is that it combines opportunities for education and direct service. Students will have a chance to reflect on the big picture—how they can make a difference not only on a personal level, but on a systemic level as well."
A returning feature to Hunger and Homelessness Week is the homeless sleep-out sponsored by Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity. Over the past two years, APO has nearly tripled in size and 17 of its members will camp out on the lawn in front of Old Centre starting Friday night from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m.
"Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and join us throughout the night. We'll have live music, contests, soup and hot cocoa. It's going to be cold, but that's why we'll be out there," said Centre senior Frances McClasky, president of APO.
The members of APO will be accepting donations that will go to Louisville's Goat Walker Café, a café for the homeless.
To learn more on these events, contact McFarland at (859) 238-5479 or mcfarlnd@centre.edu. Also visit, http://web.centre.edu/studentlife/volunteer/index.html.
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