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Helping the Hungry, Homeless

Nov. 16-19 Activities to Raise Awareness, Volunteerism

November 9, 2009 :: No. 046

As part of the Volunteer & Service Center’s Hunger & Homelessness Week activities, 48 student volunteers collected 546 food items in neighborhoods west of the campus on Halloween night. Canned food and cash donations will be collected on campus through Dec. 2. Pictured from left, are Isaac Rizo, Christiana Matyasik and Danielle Thompson sorting food items that will be donated to the Orange County Food Bank. Photo by Kelly Lacefield

Who/What:

Cal State Fullerton students have organized three days of educational activities to dispel stereotypes about the homeless and hungry population in Orange County, the region and nation. Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, sponsored by the Volunteer & Service Center and open to the public, features exhibits, plus food and cash donation drives.

When:

Monday, Nov. 16, through Thursday, Nov. 19, at various campus locations

Cal State Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, 92831

Stats:

According to the Orange County Food Bank, more than 450,000 people are at risk for hunger every month in the county. The homeless population, which represents every race, age group and community in Orange County, is estimated at more than 35,000 — almost the size of the university’s student population.

Why:

“In this current economy, it’s more true than ever before that those we encounter in our daily lives might be struggling. Hunger and homelessness are ever-present realities for a broad cross section of people — adults with and without jobs, children, disabled individuals, abuse victims, veterans, seniors, even college students,” said Amy Mattern, Volunteer & Service Center coordinator. “We plan and implement this week because we truly believe in the importance of educating the campus community about the realities facing those living in poverty and what we can do to help.”

Theme:

An on-campus food drive to benefit the Orange County Food Bank will be held through Dec. 2 as part of the Volunteer & Service Center’s Hunger & Homelessness Week activities Nov. 16-19. Photo by Kelly Lacefield

“Feed Thought. Make Change” is the theme for Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, planned and implemented by more than 15 Cal State Fullerton students. Four student project directors lead the effort with three student subcommittees dedicated to various areas, such as volunteer coordination, fundraising and marketing. “For those students who participate in the event, we hope to instill a sense of benevolence and a desire to assist others,” said junior Dora Armenta, a project director and sociology major. “We’re hoping that students will realize that they should participate to help those who are in need. Hunger and homelessness could happen to anyone.”

Schedule:

Nov. 16-17
11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Exhibit featuring a visual representation confronting the stereotypes about homeless people. Often the homeless are stereotyped as panhandlers, yet the exhibit will show that appearances can be deceiving.
Location: Walkway between the Pollak Library and the Titan Student Union Nov. 16 and Quad Nov. 17.
Wednesday, Nov. 18
9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Four interactive tent exhibits addressing various aspects facing this population in need. Each tent explores a different theme: “We Are Homeless,” “We Are Hungry,” “Give Me The Reasons” and “It Could Be Us.” Visitors will learn about the immediate causes and realities of the hungry and homeless population. Last year, more than 800 people visited the tent exhibits.
Location: Quad
Nov. 19 through Dec. 2
11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Donation drive for canned food items and cash donations. All proceeds will benefit the Orange County Food Bank, which provides food and personal care items to those in need. Donors also may contact the Volunteer & Service Center at 657-278-7623.
Location: Walkway between Pollak Library and Titan Student Union.

Background:

Last year, nearly 170 student volunteers participated in Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, contributing 1,082 hours to planning, promoting and implementing the various activities. In 2008, students collected 2,691 food items and more than $1,000 in cash donations during the on-campus food drive and Halloween Trick-or-Treat for Food event in neighborhoods surrounding the campus. This year, 546 food items were collected during the Halloween night Drive, with 48 volunteers giving a total of 145.5 hours of service.

Information:

Call 657-278-7623, e-mail volunteer@fullerton.edu or visit www.fullerton.edu/volunteer

Media Contacts:
Amy Mattern, Volunteer & Service Center, 657-278-3504 or amattern@fullerton.edu
Debra Cano Ramos, Public Affairs, 657-278-4027 or dcanoramos@fullerton.edu