In previous years, “Hunger and Homelessness Week” was a one-day service opportunity called “Project Empty Bowls.” This year, it has grown into a weeklong effort, Nov. 12- Nov. 16, with events for everyone to participate in. The Office of Civic Engagement will host multiple events to raise money and awareness for the cause.
Many campus organizations, such as the residence halls, athletics department, social work club, and the Student League of Independent Potters and Sculptors (SLIPS) are getting involved in the project as well.
The Office of Civic Engagement dedicates this week to fight hunger and homelessness in the Atlanta area through donations, service, and education.
The Student Affairs Advisor, Jennifer Bodnar explained what is so important about Hunger and Homelessness Week.
“You can’t really miss homelessness at Georgia State,” she said. “[Hunger and Homelessness Week] gives us a chance to reflect on some of the deeper issues.”
All proceeds made and collected during Hunger and Homelessness Week will be given to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, whose main focus is distributing food to their 600 partner agencies.
“If there are proceeds, they’ll be treated as a general donation,” said Ferguson. “For every one dollar given, $8.47 goes into the community, so every donation has a big impact on the community.”
Senior sociology major, Victoria Helmly, reflected on her work with the Office of Civic Engagement and her service with the homeless.
“It’s helped me not to stereotype,” she said, “Some of the homeless I’ve worked with are veterans, some have families. I don’t pass by and not wonder what their story is.”
November 12-16:
Barrels for a canned food drive will be placed in the lobby of Piedmont North A&B, the Commons, Greek Housing, The Lofts, and Freshman Hall.
In an effort to include Georgia State staff, student participants in the Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge will leave bags at offices in the Student Center, University Center, and Sparks Hall for faculty and staff to fill.
November 13:
The football and tennis teams will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army. They will be at Muses, Peachtree Center, and Underground from 10:15 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
One of the main events, the Oxfam Hunger Banquet, will be taking place in the Student Center’s Sinclair Suite. Guests will be given a meal that corresponds with their income level upon arrival. Ceramic bowls to use for dinner, made by SLIPS, will be up for auction.
November 14:
Service activities pick up again on Wednesday when student volunteers will be sent to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to sort and pack food items.
Panther supporters can also pitch in by bringing canned food to the Georgia State vs. Jacksonville Women’s basketball game for the food drive.
November 15:
The Office of Civic Engagement will be screening “The Human Experience,” a film revolving around two brothers and their search for answers to life’s most pressing questions. Those they encounter along their jouney each teach them about the human spirit.
The Spaghetti Dinner with the Residence Halls Association will start in the Common’s meeting room at 6 p.m. All that is required for admission is two canned food items, which will go to the Atlanta Food Bank.
November 20:
The final event will be the canned food drive at the Men’s basketball game, Georgia State vs. Tennessee State at 7 p.m.
Those bringing canned food items will be given a free ticket to another basketball game and the option to turn the ticket back in, in which case it will be given to an underprivileged child to allow them to watch a game.
All proceeds made and collected during Hunger and Homelessness Week will be given to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, whose main focus is distributing food to their 600 partner agencies.
