The holidays are here, but many people in St. Louis are not even considering what relatives to visit or gifts to give. Instead, they are worried about whether they will be able to put food on the table.
It is hard to imagine not being able to obtain a meal. For many people across the country and here in St. Louis, hunger is a harsh reality.
After gas prices increased this summer, prices of many products at the grocery stores also increased, making it that much harder for people to purchase the food they need to survive.
These price increases have even affected the discount stores that generally offer very cheap prices on food. So, for many people and their families, the only means they have for a decent dinner is through the charity of others.
This holiday season, the Student Social Work Association at UM-St. Louis has decided to help those in need. Members of the group are collecting non-perishable food items.
The items will be donated to Operation Food Search, a non-profit organization that distributes food free of charge to community agencies around the St. Louis area that help to feed hungry individuals, families, and children around the St. Louis area.
Lisa Kedro, junior, social work, the secretary of the SSWA, organized the drive. Kedro made flyers, sent emails, put up collection bins and donated food.
She said she volunteered to take on the responsibilities because SSWA President Mark Schillinger was very busy with other responsibilities and Kedro knew how important this project would be.
"There is a lot of need for food in the St. Louis area," Kedro said. "Many individuals are unemployed and it keeps getting worse. Everything is getting very expensive, including the price of food."
Kedro said that at first she was not sure how successful the food drive would be. She has been impressed by its success so far, and grateful for the help she has received from the other SSWA officers and members.
"Sarah McClure [SSWA member] contacted Operation Food Search and organized a date and time for them to come and pick up our donation," Kedro said.
"We have already gotten a lot of donations and have had to empty a couple of our bins to make room for more."
Mike Kralik, graduate student, communication, is one of many students who gave to the food drive.
"I donated because I thought it would be for a good cause," Kralik said. "There are a lot of people out there that don't have enough food and I thought it would help them out."
Kralik said he has friends who have donated as well.
"We talked about it and we all think it's a good idea, especially with the current economy struggling so much. It was the least we could do," he said.
This is Kralik's first year as a UM-St. Louis student. He is no stranger to charity drives.
"I have donated at my undergraduate college and other places, like work," Kralik said. "I can always find something that I can part with."
Kralik said money is tight for him as well this year, but he still managed to find three items that he could donate to the cause.
"I would have donated more if I could," he said. "But being a poor college student myself I had to give within my means. But I am sure every little bit helps."
Donna Higgins, graduate student, communication, said she helps out each year. "We always give to food drives at my kids' schools and the Boy Scouts," Higgins said.
Kedro said SSWA's goal is to contribute as much as possible to help people in the St. Louis area.
"Food pantries need a lot of help this year because their supplies are running out quickly because of the amount of people in need of food," Kedro said. "Really whatever we can donate helps. Hopefully we can get a lot more before the drive ends."
To donate, you can find boxes located on the MSC Bridge, in the student lounge in Bellerive Hall, and in the dorm areas at the Pierre Laclede Honors College. Donations will be taken throughout remainder of the fall semester.
So, next time you glance at those extra canned goods or boxes of rice in your cupboard, think about offering them to someone in need this holiday season. They would really appreciate it.
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