Students led the competition during most of the two-week food drive, but faculty and staff pulled through in the final days. When the contest ended Dec. 19, college employees filled 11 boxes, two more than the students.
Volunteers from the ARCC student honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, stepped forward to deliver the goods to the Anoka Armory. Anoka County Christmas Committee volunteers were waiting at the loading dock to receive the donation and distribute it to individuals and families in need.
“This project is great because it embodies the ‘Think globally, act locally, ethic,’” says Amanda Even, ARCC student and Phi Theta Kappa President. “It's an effort that allows us to directly interact with and benefit our community to really make a positive difference. I was inspired by meeting a donation recipient who was also volunteering, receiving and giving.”
The Anoka County Christmas Committee was chosen for this year’s donation because it specifically serves low-income Anoka residents, Even says. The Christmas Committee is comprised of an all volunteer community supported groups, such as Anoka Women of Today, Lions and Kiwanis clubs, with the sole purpose of providing food and toys to those in need during the holiday season.
"Obviously, the food drive is important because it helps those in need, but it's also important for two other reasons,” says ARCC faculty member Gordy Wax. “One, it allows students to pause and reflect on people in need. Secondly, by giving food donations or the time to help, it empowers students to do something about those in need and it promotes participation in the community."
For more information on Anoka-Ramsey Community College events, visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu. For more information on the Anoka County Christmas Committee, call 763.323.4982.
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