Lees-McRae College is holding its annual Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week November 26-30 with a series of events ending with the counting of the canned food drive on Friday. Be a part of the largest canned food drive in the College’s history. Donate cans to reach the 5,000 can goal.
Beginning on Monday, walk in the shoes of those who go without food for extended periods of time and pledge to not eat from Sunday evening until Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. for the 30-hour fast. Then attend community hour in Evans Auditorium on Tuesday for the Break-Fast.
Attend the break-fast meal and presentation on the facts of hunger and homelessness in North Carolina and around the world during community hours.
On Wednesday, don’t miss Weighing of the Waste. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria, give your plates to volunteers at lunch and help us measure how much food we waste each day.
Later that evening, attend movie night at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium for a moving film, When Did You See Me Hungry?, and engage in discussions on issues of hunger and poverty around the globe.
Don’t miss Thursday night’s panel presentation from local agencies at 8 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. Presenters from local organizations, including the Hospitality House, that deal with issues of hunger and homelessness as representatives share the challenges and successes in this field of work.
Experience what it’s like to be homeless when you visit Shanty Town beginning at 9 p.m. on Tate Lawn. Come and gain a better understanding of what those who sleep out each night face. Participants will build their shelters for the night out of cardboard boxes and sleep out on Tate Lawn. (Participants are responsible for bringing their own blankets.)
On Friday, Lees-McRae will measure the success of the largest canned food drive in the College’s history. The goal is to donate 5,000 cans to Reaching Avery Ministries to help feed the hungry in Avery County. Help count cans when you attend the ending celebration at 2 p.m. in the Student Development Office.
The leadership team of Miranda Lilly, Charlie Herron, Jose Chavira, Aaron Linville, Austin Wright and Jacob Vigneault organized the events for the week.
“I am excited about this week for two reasons. First, we live in a rural area, and while our community does face issues of hunger and poverty, we are still members of the world’s wealthiest nation. It is very important to be reminded of how much of the rest of the world lives and the challenges they face. Secondly, events such as these give students a chance to really show their leadership on this campus and in this community. They chose the events and are responsible for teaching their peers. It really gives them a chance to play an active role in their education,” said Selena Hilemon, Director of Community Outreach.
For additional information about Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, please contact Selena Hilemon at 898-3318 or hilemons@lmc.edu