CCU helps ‘Set the Table’ for families in the area
Coastal Carolina University’s Office of Civic Engagement completed another successful “Setting the Table for Spring,” delivering 31 baskets from CCU groups to families in need through Catholic Charities.
For the project, people were asked to fill a (laundry) basket with nonperishable food and household items for families ranging from one to six people who are struggling financially. The baskets were delivered March 31 with the help of sponsors AME Apartments and Catholic Charities in the Conway area.
Jordan Smith, a coordinator of civic engagement, was pleased that the program is able to help provide extra support for families in the community.
“Some people are overjoyed to tears,” he said. “It is a powerful experience.”
Some of the donations included items such as pots and pans, toys for the children, Easter candy, beauty products for the women and socks. “Several of the baskets were wrapped in cellophane with large bows,” Jordan said, while others were not wrapped creatively, but still contained food and other needed basic items.
“It's amazing how many people are impacted – both the families receiving the donations and the sponsors, they get something out of it, too,” said Smith.
Some organizations that participated were: Alpha Kappa Psi; the Kirkner Family; Women of Color (WOC); Multicultural Student Services; Academic Testing; Office of Human Resources; Phi Bet Sigma; Veterans Services; University Communication; Music; Division of Academic Outreach; Office of the Registrar; Counseling Services; Coastal Educational Foundation; CCU Office for Philanthropy; Coastal Office of Online Learning; Financial Aid & Scholarships; BSN Nursing Club; COHFA Dean’s Office; Office of Admissions; C. Boyd and Daniel Rabon; Psi Chi and the Psychology Department; CeTEAL; Feel the Teal; Marine Science Graduate Program; The Marlowe Family; Kappa Delta Pi and the PETE Club.
Preparations will begin soon for “Setting the Table for Fall,” which will focus on Thanksgiving time and food donations to provide a holiday to families in need. Smith hopes for more sponsors and more community giving.
“Helping neighbors is really the purpose of the Setting the Table project,” said Smith.
