The DWU Freshman Food Drive collected more than 3,200 pounds of food donated by the Mitchell community. The event was sponsored by DWU Campus Ministry.
More than 200 freshmen, upperclassmen and other volunteers conducted the food drive on Sunday, Aug. 20. Donations were taken to the Mitchell Food Pantry where volunteers sorted and shelved the food.
Since 2004, the annual Freshman Food Drive has been a large part of New Student Orientation weekend at Dakota Wesleyan. It is an activity that is structured to help new students acclimate to the Mitchell community, as well as to embody the university’s motto of “Sacrifice or Service.”
Said campus pastor Anthony Purcell, director of the food drive, “With the help and the energy of our incoming students, orientation leaders, faculty and staff volunteers, we collected a great amount of food goods for our community. I have been amazed and inspired by the spirit of teamwork and commitment to living out God’s love here at DWU. These are the types of things that make this campus a community and a family and I’m excited do this work.”
Those wishing to donate who might not have been home during the DWU Freshman Food Drive can drop off donations, including fresh garden produce, to the Mitchell Food Pantry during hours of operation.
The Mitchell Food Pantry, located at 812 N. Rowley St., is open Mondays and Fridays from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.