The Community Leadership Program in the Thompson School of Applied Science has continued with its tradition of planning the Thanksgiving food basket drive once again this year. The students in the program will be working in conjunction with Cornucopia, the UNH Campus Ministry, and the Office of Community Service and Learning, to help organize and distribute the food baskets to members of the UNH community that are in need.
The food baskets will be assembled and will be available to those within the UNH community, such as faculty, staff, graduate students, and others who may be in need. If there are baskets leftover, others who may have requested one but are not necessarily part of the UNH community will also be able to receive one.
Kristin Morgovnik, a Community Leadership student said, "Everyone deserves a good meal and a happy holiday season with the ones they love. Everyone deserves to enjoy themselves during the holidays."
According to information from the UNH Carsey Institute and the Hunger in America Report 2005, hunger has become a growing problem in New Hampshire.
"The people at UNH need these food baskets because often times they don't have enough money to purchase food for Thanksgiving and also pay the other bills," said Morgovnik. "Often people part of the UNH community are grad students studying at UNH from other countries are here on visas that don't allow them to get other jobs, making it hard for them to afford things. Also, there are jobs on campus called 'temporary without benefit' jobs where people are paid $8-13 making it difficult to meet basic needs."
Students from the TSAS Community Leadership program have estimated that each basket will cost about $60 to create and will contain items ranging from a turkey to vegetables and fruits. The group is also accepting financial donations toward the creation of a basket.
Resident Assistants at dorms around UNH will have boxes set up in dorms for students to donate items. Volunteers will also be used on Nov. 19 and 20 to collect baskets and distribute them to members of the UNH community.
Ashlee Iber, the Community Service Coordinator for the Community Leadership Program said, "We will take any amount of money and any type of food that people would like to donate."
Several businesses have already pledged to donate items, including Newick's, which has pledged to donate 12 turkeys, the Great Bay Rotary has pledged to donate 70 turkeys, and the Durham Community Church has pledged to donate items.
Iber said, "We are also encouraging different ethnicity baskets, like Asian or Hispanic foods, for families who eat different types of foods. We are also trying to include additional items, as a dentist has offered to donate toothbrushes and toothpaste for the baskets."
Morgovnik said the food drive also makes her sad because she wished that those who were in need did not have to be in need.
"I wish that everyone in the community who may be struggling to make ends meet weren't struggling anymore and didn't need a food basket. I wish that people never had to worry about putting food on the table for themselves and their loved ones," Morgovnik said.
Cole added, "[The food basket drive] gives me a chance to appreciate what I have and give to those who need help." Morgovnik feels that the food basket drive will affect people in a "really great way." She said, "I think it shows [the people receiving baskets] that there are people within our community who are kind and willing to help. It gives them the Thanksgiving they deserve to have with their loved ones. I think the people are just really thankful!"
Cole agreed with Morgovnik saying, "It affects the people in so many ways. For one, it gives them food to put on their table for their Thanksgiving holiday. It also shows them that people in their community care and are willing to reach out and help those in need."
For those students who would like to donate a food basket or money, or for those who wish to volunteer, you can contact Ashlee Iber at 603-767-9022 of aiber@unh.edu.
For those members of the UNH community that would like to request a food basket, contact Larry Brickner-Wood from the UNH United Campus Ministry, at 603-862-1165 or waysmeet@msn.com.
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