The annual Feed-A-Friend food drive is here again, students of the African American Organization (AFRO-AM) are working to collect donations of food and money for families to enjoy this Thanksgiving. 

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Feed-a-Friend, a program initiated by students of Shippensburg University. 

“The program was initially started by students skipping a meal every day to raise money for the drive,” Kapri Brown, assistant director the Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) office said.

The drive began in the 1975-76 academic year in honor of former Shippensburg employee and community leader Francis M. Banks. Banks worked tirelessly to assure that families during the holiday time would have a meal to eat. 

Her example of humanitarianism inspired the students of AFRO-AM to keep her vision alive, this year collecting donations at homecoming and gathering money from students, family, and friends of the university. 

“It's important and very heartwarming to know that the money we raise helps feed families who wouldn't have had anything for Thanksgiving,” one of the student volunteers, Katiera McNiel, said. “My family has been in the same boat before so it really just means a lot.”

Last year the Feed-A-Friend food drive provided over 200 families with baskets of food. This year the goal is to feed over 300 families.

“Feed-A-Friend is very important to MSA's culture of helping (students) grow as an individual.” AFRO-AM president Symphany Jones said. “We are a family and what better way to showcase that than to give back to those who may not have the supplies needed for the holiday.”

If you are interested in participating in this year’s Feed-A-Friend visit Big Red’s Snack Shack in the Ceddia Union Building, Sub Generation or Kriner Dining Hall to find out how you can help the program. 

You can also buy an item from those locations with your credit card or flex dollars and donate it to AFRO-AM in MSA. Can goods may be donated directly to the MSA office in 100 Gilbert Hall until Nov. 17th.

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