By: Our Opinion
Posted: 3/5/09
It isn't anything
new that the cost of food is rising, unemployment is going up and a
growing number of Americans are being left with fewer options. In this
time of economic hardship, UConn students raised $12,847 for local
homeless shelters during a fundraiser by UConnPIRG. This fundraiser is
just one of many that the organization hosts to combat hunger and
homelessness.
Recently, there was a Swipe-a-Meal fundraiser, where students could
choose to donate their spare meal swipes to local shelters. The meal
plan with the lowest cost comes with 75 meal swipes, the next expensive
with 40 and the most expensive with 35. Students have ample meal swipes
to donate and many of them contributed to the cause.
Those that didn't contribute this time should consider donating next
time. Meal plan passes don't roll over to the next semester and few
people use all of their passes in one semester. Dining Services usually
asks students if they wish to give one or two, so they aren't asking a
lot. Those that don't give should reexamine their choices next time the
fundraiser occurs.
Many people think of donating around the holidays, but there are
significantly fewer donations once the holidays pass. While the
holidays are a time of giving, the rest of the year should be as well.
It is still very cold out and there is still a chance of snow. Giving a
warm meal now could really help someone out. The university isn't
asking students to give up their money or clothes - just a meal plan
swipe.
Next time the opportunity presents itself - and even when it doesn't -
students should think about giving a little something of themselves.
This is a hard time for everyone, but at the end of the semester, many
students are left with cans of Spaghetti-Os and chicken noodle soup
that they won't use. If you don't think you will want that clam chowder
six months from now, donate it and buy a new can next fall. It may not
be a lot for you to lose one can of soup, but it could be a wonderful
thing for someone else.
UConnPIRG should be commended for its efforts to raise awareness and
collect donations for local homeless shelters. Next time, maybe the
number of donations could double, but that all depends on UConn
students. UConnPIRG is also planning a Hunger Clean-Up on April 4 to
encourage volunteering among students.
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