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145 families. That's approximately how many families the University community will sponsor through this month's Adopt-A-Family Thanksgiving program, organized by our Division's Office of Volunteerism, Community Engagement & Commuter Services. 

Departments across the Division of Student Affairs have commited to support families across our community. Lorri Brewer of Admissions says, "This is my favorite service project that we do." This is Admissions' first year officially sponsoring a family, and Lorri took the helm to organize her troops. "I want to go above-and-beyond," she says. "I want to start with breakfast items, so they don't even have to think about that. And I want to end with nighttime snacks for watching football." Lorri has received positive feedback from her colleagues, with the general sentiment echoing, "How could we not help?" 

Administrative assistant for the Office of Volunteerism, Community Engagement & Commuter Services Shelly Klink has led this initiative for four years now. Watching the program grow over time, Shelly says, "I feel proud of the É«ÀÇÉçÇø community who participate in this endeavor. The first time I saw all the food coming in, I felt very proud of the generosity, kindness and the outpouring of love and support." She continues, "I feel that the program makes individuals stop for a moment to think about how fortunate we are. This raises our awareness to the needs of others. As I say, I like to pay it forward - you never know when you will need it."

This program welcomes all non-perishable donations. Please consider bringing donations of food or gift cards to the Student Center, even if your office has not officially sponsored a family. All donations will be gratefully accepted. Donations can be dropped off in Student Center Room 144:

• Tuesday, November 13 from 3 to 6 pm
• Wednesday, November 14 and 15 from 8 am to 6 pm
• Thursday, November 16 from 8 am to 12 noon