November 9, 2012
November is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness month, and the Shawnee State University Center for Community Service has several events planned to educate students about poverty and support those who have or are experiencing it already.
Throughout the month, the Center for Community Service and the Scioto County Homeless Shelter are teaming up to request that individuals and families place two cents in a container at each meal for the Pennies for the Homeless Challenge. At the end of the month, take the container to the University Center 222B to help collectively donate to the homeless shelter.
Similarly, bring in 10 non-perishable goods to Jazzman's Café to receive a free beverage. The goods will be donated to a local food pantry.
"Many students haven't experienced homelessness before, or may not understand the whole picture, but others have actually lived that life," says Center for Community Service Coordinator Nikki Karabinis. "Our goal is to both educate those who haven't and support the ones who have."
Several individual events are scheduled throughout the month. From Monday, Nov. 12 through Friday, Nov. 16, SSU Bear's Den patrons can donate the cost of their meal to the homeless shelter.
On Wednesday, Nov. 14, SSU clubs and organizations will be participating in a "Can-struction Competition" to design unique structures out of non-perishable goods. Also, the annual Homeless Rally, featuring guest speaker Ted Williams, will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at 615 Eighth Street.
"30 Days On Minimum Wage," a documentary about one couple's struggle to survive on minimum wage, will be shown free of charge on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the University Center, room 215.
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, the Oxfam America Hunger Banquet will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the UC Ballroom. Come learn about poverty and hunger through this interactive event in which diners receive varying quantities of food decided completely by random. Pre-registration is required.
For more information, or to register for the banquet, contact Nikki Karabinis at nkarabinis@shawnee.edu or (740) 351-3572.