The holidays might be over, but community needs continue into the new year. With that in mind, faculty and staff at William Woods University (WWU) marked the first week of classes for the 2018 spring semester by holding a food drive with proceeds going to SERVE, Inc. of Callaway County. All told, the WWU community provided 360 pounds of canned or packaged food to SERVE, in addition to donating financial assistance.
Need may know no season, but holding a food drive after the holidays is a particularly effective way of filling community needs.
“The first part of January is a time when many food pantries and other charitable organizations can find their donations depleted, coming right after the holiday season,” said Steve Mallinckrodt, Executive Director of SERVE. “We are grateful to William Woods for this donation, as it is impactful and fills a considerable need. It will allow us to enhance and supplement the food baskets we provide to families and citizens in need in Callaway County.”
SERVE, Inc. is a non-profit organization that benefits Callaway County citizens through a variety of efforts, including financial assistance, volunteer opportunities for all ages, door-to-door public transportation, a thrift store, food pantry, supplemental school supplies, and Christmas gifts for families in need.
“Our faculty, staff and students are not only dedicated to our William Woods University community, but are also committed to being good neighbors to our host communities of Fulton, Callaway County and Central Missouri,” said Dr. Jahnae Barnett, president of William Woods University. “It is a commitment that lasts throughout the year and one that truly benefits our fellow citizens in need.”
This week’s food drive is but one example of WWU’s philanthropic efforts throughout the year. For example, WWU employees have donated more than $9,800 to the Callaway County United Way since 2014; William Woods students contributed nearly 2,500 hours of community service in the past year alone through the Project 123 program, which serves such agencies as the Fulton Special Olympics, Central Missouri Food Pantry, Coyote Hill Children’s Home, Callaway Family Resource Center and many other charities; WWU Greek organizations raise funds each year for such charities as Missouri Honor Flight, Fulton Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri; and the WWU Athletic Department has raised more than $8,000 for food and clothing items through its own partnership with SERVE since 2013.
