Everyone needs food and clothing, and Ball State University's Student Voluntary Services is trying to provide these items for many unfortunate local people.
SVS set up white barrels around campus so people can donate gently used clothing, non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies and household items. Fliers have been placed on campus and around the community, and the group will collect items through March 31.
The Muncie YWCA will hold the 17th Annual Lend A Hand Day from 9 a.m. to noon on March 31 to give out the collected items. Johnny Karch, student committee chairman, said every year there is a rush to get in the door.
"People usually start lining up for the event around 5 a.m.," he said.
Karch said people are given a big trash bag that they fill with items of their choice, along with a coupon to get a certain amount of food.
"If someone wants a lot of jeans, then they can go over and take as many pairs until their bag is full," he said.
The men and women who attend this event are thankful for the help, Karch said.
"They shower us with praise because they know how hard we work for this event," he said. "We have some people that come to this every year."
Amanda Robinson, graduate assistant and adviser for the event, said the special day takes lots of preparation.
The event is set up like a shop, Robinson said, and it will be open to people in the community for free. To attract people to the event, student volunteers contact local community centers and get them to spread the word, and volunteers also go out to different agencies to promote the event, she said.
The committee of student volunteers consists of 16 people who are working hard to promote this event, Robinson said.
Karch said he has been doing this for at least three years now, and he enjoys helping people out.
"There are those out there who need a little more," he said. "They can come to this to get extra help."
Karch said leftover items are donated to local shelters.
Donations:SVS has set up white barrels around campus in which people can drop donations. SVS will collect items for the 17th Annual Lend A Hand Day until March 31. Needed items include: gently used clothingnon-perishable foodscleaning supplieshousehold items
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