Letter: Reader reminds community to be generous during 'Season of Giving'

11/20/07 - To The Cigar,With the holiday season approaching, many students are busy with end-of-the-semester activities. Students will be preparing for finals, writing papers and completing projects so that they can leave campus as soon as possible for winter break. With so much going on in our lives it is easy to forget that this time of year is a great time to give back to our communities.

The holidays and the season of giving are fast approaching, so why shouldn't we become more involved and help families in need?

So, what can a bunch of "poor college students" do? A lot. The fact is that families in the community are in need of any support they can get. In Rhode Island, 11.6 percent of residents in 2004 were living in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Web site. That number amounts to 122,520 people.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank Web site stipulates that it serves 51,000 residents each month. That number represents only half of our impoverished population. Take a minute to register that number. Fifty-one thousand out of 122,520. Fifteen thousand sixty-two were the number of enrolled students that attended the University of Rhode Island in 2006. We would need to more than triple our enrollment to match the number of residents who rely on the Food Bank for food and multiply that number more than eight times to recreate the number of individuals living in poverty here in Rhode Island.

How would you feel if everyone you knew at URI could not adequately support him or herself? What would you do about it?

Now, as college students we may be strapped for cash a good amount of the time, but we are not in poverty. Our dining halls may not serve five-star meals, but there is enough for everyone to be fed and maintain a healthy diet. We may not live at the Ritz, but we live in dry, warm dorms.

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and after that it is only a matter of time before the December holidays are upon us. How do you plan on giving this holiday season? I challenge each student who is able to give back to the community to do so. You can donate food, clothing, money, or time. Whichever you prefer, the choice is up to you.

At the state level, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank accepts food and monetary donations as well as volunteers. A bit closer to home is the Johnnycake Center in Peace Dale, which provides assistance to those in need of food, clothing, and other household items. Google them, find out what you can do, and take action. You can purchase items to donate, but it is just as easy to donate from what you already have.

As you get ready to move back home for winter break, take a moment and go through your belongings. Are there some canned goods or food items that you never got around to eating? Maybe some extra Ramen noodles or Chef Boyardee? Donate them. Do you have some clothes that no longer fit or you no longer care for? An extra scarf or hat? Donate them. It is as easy as that.

You are giving to others who are less fortunate while lightening the amount of stuff you have to move back and forth from the dorms. It's a win-win situation. All I'm saying is do what you can. Imagine the impact we could make if each URI student took the time to donate a little something this season, whether it be food, clothing, or time. This is our community and we must support it however we can. Happy Holidays!

Christie Sullivan