Students at Fairfield University are gearing up for the 19th Annual Hunger Cleanup, where they give back to the community and help the less fortunate.
The event combines soliciting cash donations and donating volunteer hours to non-profit agencies. The event, put together by a group of about 30 students on the Hunger Cleanup Committee, gives half the money raised to local educational programs such as halfway houses and community centers.
The other half of the money goes to the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, which works with 100 other college campuses throughout the U.S. to provide international relief.
According to the Hunger Cleanup official Web site, relief this year will help purchase a year’s supply of emergency medical supplies and food for refugee camps in Darfur, Sudan. The relief will also support the Girl Child Network (GCN) in Zimbabwe, a project of the International Development Exchange (IDEX), that “protect[s] young girls from the threats of physical and sexual abuse… by offering a safe space for discussions, trainings, legal and social support.”
Last year, Fairfield raised $7,150 and came in first place in the nation for having the most volunteers by involving 375 volunteers. Volunteers included students, faculty, alumni and local residents. This year, the students hope to raise $10,000 with the help of over 400 volunteers.
As of March 22, over $1000 had already been raised. During “Dorm Storm,” students went door-to-door in residence halls collecting spare change. They have also been selling baked goods and asking faculty and alumni to make contributions.
The students are currently working with the library to put on the second annual “Food for Fines,” where students can waive library fines by bringing in non-perishable food items. These food items will be donated to a food pantry.
This year, the volunteers plan on giving their service to about 30 organizations throughout the community on Sat., March 31. The chores they will be doing at these work sites vary. Some locations need windows washed or the interior painted, while others require outdoor spring cleaning.
Upon returning from these different work sites, volunteers are treated to a lunch at the Levee for all their hard work.
Laura Krupienski is a member of the Fairfield Hunger Cleanup Committee. The 19th Annual Hunger Cleanup is Sat. March 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To volunteer for Hunger Cleanup e-mail hungercleanup@stagweb.fairfield.edu.
Leave a Reply