< Back | Home

Comedian Jamie Lissow cracks jokes for a packed Pacific Room crowd. V.I.P. seating was available for the event with proceeds going to the Governor's Food Drive.

Food drive makes students heros

It all adds up | Can you spare some change for real change?

By: Jenna Bowen

Posted: 2/21/07

Each year Oregonians are called to action in ending hunger among our communities through the annual Governor's State Employees Food Drive. The number of people without food in Oregon is as equally over-looked as it is astonishing. According to the Oregon Food Bank website, their network distributed 754,966 emergency food boxes in Oregon and Clark County, Wash., between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006. In addition, 181 soup kitchens and shelters provided 3.9 million emergency meals and 346 other agencies helped more than 80,000 people. Also according to the Oregon Food Bank's website, it is approximated that the Marion and Polk counties alone provide meal assistance to an average of 90,000 individuals per month. Each and every county in Oregon is affected by hunger; however, as members of Polk County, one of the largest in need of assistance-Western students should feel not only an obligation, but also a desire to help those among us. Each of Western's campus departments are participating in the drive, thus breeding a friendly rivalry among staff/faculty. One standout supporter for the drive is the WOU Bookstore, who in their efforts to raise as much food and money possible, have tapped into their creative side. For example, upon donation, each donating individual is able to fill out their name on a picture of a familiar character, corresponding with this year's theme, "superheroes." Additionally, all names associated with as little as a $1 donation, are entered into weekly drawings, which occur every Friday, where students have an opportunity to win themed gift baskets. This week for instance, the basket's theme is based on everything one would need to enjoy the movies, including popcorn, candy, movie tickets and more. And while the value of this basket obviously exceeds the entrance qualifications of a $1 donation, the real motivation to give should derive from the fact that $1, or four quarters, as in the miscellaneous change from the depths of one's pockets, has the power to transport six pounds of food, or has a wholesale value of approximately $7. "[The faculty/staff] understand that money is tight with students," stated Bookstore employee, Joan Thiessen, emphasizing the impact of as single dollar. When asked about student participation, Thiessen was more than thrilled about the outcome. "[The students] have been really wonderful," said Thiessen. "It makes people feel good to give. [The faculty/staff] are trying to show there are a lot of ways to do as much as [Western] can, to raise as much as possible, and the students have been extremely receptive to that." These other ways Thiessen refers to, include but are not limited to, each department's receptacles for canned food, and the Bookstore's themed baskets. Other departments are expressing their creativity through such things as bake sales and silent auctions. These events will be located in the WUC periodically throughout the duration of the drive. The food drive began February 1 and will continue through March 2. Donations of both canned food and cash are encouraged. While the actual canned items will directly help hungry members of the community, cash donations help to distribute food to different agencies, as well as maintain facility storage elements, such as freezers, helping to keep them operating. If you wish to donate canned foods, needed items include: canned meats (such as tuna), canned or boxed meals (such as soup or macaroni and cheese), canned fruits and vegetables, as well as pasta, rice, beans and canned/plastic/boxed 100 percent juices. Avoid glass containers, however, as well as perishable or homemade items, soda and alcoholic beverages. It is important to remember the thousands of people in Marion and Polk counties alone who need assistance each month, and realize that these individuals are members of the community surrounding Western. Keep in mind this year's theme and know that one does not need to fly or have X-ray vision, but simply donate some spare change, or canned food, to become a "superhero."