Last week, about 50 students gathered at the Stokes Student Center Lounge at Pfeiffer University to fill, seal and package more than 7,200 meals for those in need.
Sponsored by the Freshman Year Experience at Pfeiffer, students and faculty participated in “Stop Hunger Now,” an international relief organization dedicated to helping end world hunger.
The organization has strategically focused its efforts on areas of the world affected by natural disasters. The program enables partnerships through local community groups, universities and organizations to become active in support of these efforts.
Dr. Michael Thompson, associate professor of history, introduced the program to the Pfeiffer community and brought it to the attention of the freshman faculty mentors, who sought a common project to encourage students to continue service engagement.
Thompson, Dr. Jim Gulledge, director of academic support services, and Deborah Burris, assistant professor of communications and chair of the department of communication studies, joined students on the assembly line for the university’s first “Stop Hunger Now” project.
Thompson said packaging the meals had a profound effect on those who participated.
“The impact that these experiences have on our students and those of us who get involved is tremendous,” Thompson said. “By sacrificing a few hours during their busy weeks, they made a tangible difference in the lives of children they will never meet. Moreover, I witnessed a bond created among the freshmen as they coordinated their individual roles and responsibilities to complete the project.”
Mickey Horner, the Charlotte area coordinator for the project, praised the work ethic and professionalism exhibited by the Pfeiffer students and said the service event was extremely meaningful and rewarding.
Aaron Duncan, a freshman international business major from Valdese, N.C., agreed.
“Working alongside other students, many I didn’t know, was incredible,” Duncan said. “Although we had individual roles during the project, we worked together as a team and covered each other when needed. We were all there for a common goal óand that was to help others. What we were able to accomplish in a few hours was truly amazing.”