The Center for Career and Civic Engagement at Winthrop University will participate in several events for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2008 during the week of Nov. 16-22. The activities, including donating clothes and giving up meals, will help increase awareness about poverty in the community, organizers said.
Here is a description of the events:
Sleep Out
Students will experience firsthand the life of the homeless in our local community. Beginning at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 and continuing all night long, students will sleep in boxes on Dinkins lawn. Sleep out is co-sponsored by the Center for Career and Civic Engagement and the Winthrop Wesley Foundation.
Homeless Vigil
During the Sleep Out, the Winthrop Wesley Foundation will present a Homeless Vigil at 9 p.m. Nov. 16 on the Dinkins Lawn.
Back the Pack
There are currently 385 students who go hungry every weekend in local elementary schools. Students can help provide them with enough food for the weekend by participating in Back the Pack on Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 1-4 p.m. at the Phoenix Academy. Winthrop participants will organize food and pack it for elementary students, who will discreetly take it home so that they have enough food and don’t stay hungry over the weekends.
Oxfam Fast
Fast on Wednesday, Nov. 19 to help those who are without food at this time. When Winthrop students register to participate in Oxfam Fast, Winthrop’s dining services company ARAMARK will donate the money to Oxfam America. Registration will be from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Nov. 19. Oxfam Fast is co-sponsored by the Center for Career and Civic Engagement and the Winthrop Wesley Foundation.
Hunger Vigil
During the Oxfam Fast, the Winthrop Cooperative Campus Ministries will present a Hunger Vigil from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 on the Byrnes Auditorium steps.
York County Poverty Presentation
A representative from the United Way of York County will conduct a presentation on the details of poverty in the Rock Hill area. Students will discover who is affected, learn about the hardships they face, and find out how they can help. The presentation will take place in Kinard Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p. m.
Canned Food Drive
The Center for Career and Civic Engagement and Resident Students Association will collect canned food in boxes in all residence halls. Cans will be donated to local families struggling to make ends meet. Any extra cans will be donated to a local food pantry.
Winter Wear Drive
From Nov. 16 to Jan. 16, the Center for Career and Civic Engagement and Resident Students Association will co-sponsor a Winter Wear Drive. Please donate any hats, gloves, scarves, coats, etc. to help those who are struggling this winter. Students are encouraged to bring back any extra winter clothing you may have at home after Thanksgiving break and holiday break.
For more information, contact Megan Augustine at 803/323-3420, or stop by the Office of Volunteer and Community Service in 120 Dinkins.