SSU recognizes Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

Nov. 10, 2011

Each year, one week before Thanksgiving, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness cosponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

The Center for Community Service at Shawnee State University joins the nationwide effort to bring greater awareness to the problems of hunger and homelessness throughout the week beginning Monday, Nov. 14.

On Monday, a canned food collection begins with students and student groups competing by building sculptures with the canned food they collect. All the food collected will go to the Scioto County Homeless Shelter. The creative displays will be built in the University Center Lobby from noon to 6 p.m.

Maureen Cadogan, director of the Scioto County Homeless Shelter, will be guest speaker on Tuesday, Nov. 15 discussing facts and myths about the homeless and share volunteer opportunities at 4 p.m. in the University Center Room 215.

Also, on Tuesday, students will participate in a non-perishable food Scavenger Hunt all day beginning in the UC Lobby. The winner will receive a 26-inch flat screen TV.

Tuesday evening the movie "Homeless to Harvard" will be shown from 7 to 9 p.m. in the UC Room 230. The movie is based on a true story about Liz Murray, a young girl who becomes homeless at the age of 15, and struggles to finish high school and how she overcomes tremendous obstacles.

Wednesday, Nov. 16, students will have a Rally at 7 p.m. at the Homeless Shelter, 615 Eighth St.

Thursday, the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" will be shown from 7 to 9 p.m. in the UC Room 215. The movie is based on a biography written by Chris Gardner who was homeless for one year.

For more information, call Nikki Karabinis at the Center for Community Service at (740) 351-3572.