![\"Food](\"https:\/\/blogs.nmc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/130f62be0a0a00b80015122200c8cd25food-for-thought-students-and-instructor-2.jpg\")
The spirit of Thanksgiving and the holidays is extending out from campus to the community, with several charitable projects now underway. There’s still time to pay it forward with a donation of food or a warm jacket, and mark your calendar to enjoy a free family day at the Dennos Museum Center Nov. 23.<\/p>\n
Student Blake Bandrowski, marketing director for NMC Professional Communications students’ sixth annual Food for Thought food drive, said students will take a wallet full of $5,500 in donations on a mega grocery shopping trip this weekend, aiming to fill up a semi-truck before Monday’s distribution.<\/p>\n
“On Sunday we will be spending all the money we got through donations,” Bandrowski said.<\/p>\n
Since mid-October, students have also collected food on campus and at special events. This year’s drive benefits four pantries that help students and their families. A 2016 Northwest Food Coalition survey revealed more than 2,000 children in the region are food insecure, which can be a barrier to learning.<\/p>\n
The food drive is an experiential learning project that enables students to help the community by practicing professional communications skills — like soliciting donations.<\/p>\n
“That’s the great thing about the class. Not only are you helping people, but you’re learning the skills by actually using it,” Bandrowski said. “It is legitimate work experience.”<\/p>\n
![\"Clothing](\"https:\/\/blogs.nmc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/130b07d10a0a00b8001512223d0a05eenmc-now-clothing-drive-2.jpg\")
NMC’s Bookstore is leading the third annual Hoodies for the Homeless through November 21. Donate new or gently used outerwear — hoodies, coats, snow pants all welcome — at the bookstore, now located in the Health & Science Building, and get a coupon for 30 percent off one regular priced apparel item. All items donated will go to the Goodwill Street Outreach program for distribution to people in need.<\/li>\n