PNC Students Donate to Help Others Enjoy the Holidays

PNC-Thanksgiving-Food-DrivePurdue University North Central students are pitching in across Northwest Indiana to help others enjoy the holiday season.

The 48 students in the Dean's Leadership Group collected close to $1,000 on campus and in the community so that they could purchase food to fill Thanksgiving baskets for the families of 31 deserving PNC students. The baskets included a turkey and the ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving meal for a family of five.

Members of the TRiO Club and the Purdue North Central Women's Association made monetary donations to the food drive. An unexpected donation was made by a former PNC student who recalled how much it meant to be helped by a similar effort several years ago, and decided to help ensure that other students and their families enjoyed a comfortable family meal.

"We were committed to providing Thanksgiving meals, and feel it's important to help others in any way we can," said student Kara Moon, of Valparaiso, who co-chaired the event with Rachael Vaught, of Whiting and Samantha Sims, Bremen.

"So many people come forward to help; it's a great feeling to know we're all working hard to achieve the same goal."

On Nov. 26, five members of the Student Government Association traveled to the Sorrowful Mother Church Food Pantry in Wheatfield to help out as needed. The students pitched in and packed groceries for 47 food pantry guests and then helped them carry the bags out. They also cleaned, straightened things up and stocked the pantry. And their presence gave the volunteers who work throughout the year a much-needed day off.

"We were delighted to have the students help out," said Linda Duttlinger, PNC associate professor of Development Studies and associate director of the food pantry. "Their help was invaluable. It is tremendous to see them getting involved and giving back to the community."

Keri Marrs Barron, director of Student Activities and the Student Government advisor, volunteered as well, and brought her nine-year-old son and two-year-old daughter who happily helped to pack groceries and stock shelves.

Student Government President David Myer explained why he decided to get involved at the food pantry, "I am a firm believer in giving back and paying it forward however I can. I was born, raised and live in Wheatfield. It was a great opportunity and experience to bring Student Government to our local food pantry. There are a lot of people in need around the world and too many times we forget about those right in front of us. This experience was an opportunity to give back to those who live right next to us. I am proud of the service we provided. When so many were so involved in catching the next best deal in stores, Student Government was paying it forward."

In addition, members of the campus TRiO club visited Clare Bridge Cottage assisted living facility in Michigan City to share some companionship with the residents, enjoying activities such as checkers, games, singing and sharing stories.

The 18 club members and their advisor, Kila Payne, Student Support Services program counselor, also are donating toys and clothing to benefit the families and children of the residents at the PACT Bradley Center in Michigan City.

"As students, our TRiO Club members are on tight budgets themselves, but the club members were willing donate as they were able in order to benefit needy families," said Payne.


Visit the PNC Website
1401 S US 421
Westville, IN 46391
Phone: 219-785-5200

Other campus activities include the Gaming Club partnering with the Campus Bookstore to collect Toys for Tots through Dec. 16. Toys are available for purchase in the bookstore and monetary donations are accepted by personal check in the bookstore. As a thank you for donations, the bookstore will present donors with a 10 percent-off coupon to be used for regular priced apparel and giftware.

The Dean's Leadership Group is hosting a Salvation Army Angel Tree, located in the Dean of Students Office.

Both the bookstore and Dean of Students Office are located in the Library-Student-Faculty Building.

Members of Purdue Learning About Young Children in Education (PLAYCE) will be adopting a family with the Caring Place in Valparaiso to help provide a cheerful holiday.

Photo: PNC students Rachael Vaught, Whiting; Kara Moon, Valparaiso; Samantha Sims, Bremen, sort food for the Thanksgiving baskets prepared for deserving PNC students.