By BRIAN WEST
November 20, 2006

Flyers all around campus, tables set up in the cafeteria, enthusiastic people encouraging others to sign up, AWESOME shirts . . . it must be Hunger Week!

Belmont Abbey College’s 3rd annual Hunger Week took place on November 11th through the 16th. Throughout the course of this annual event, various activities helped raise money and awareness as part of a nationwide endeavor to end hunger and homelessness.

Many students have been involved with the community service event, Homeless Outreach, which has given students an insight into what it is like to be homeless. According to Homeless Outreach participants, being homeless is difficult and lonely. Hunger Week addresses the struggles of the homeless life and helps to bring an understanding to people and why their involvement is important.

Involvement in Hunger Week helps to spread awareness. Once someone gets involved, the interactions with and observations of the homeless can change one’s outlook. The impact can change the surrounding community, resulting in a united front against hunger and homelessness. The first event of the week, Will Run For Food, took place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 11th. That same day there was also a fund-raising car wash. The run consisted of a 5K and one mile walk. $940 was raised during the run and walk which went to the Urban Ministry Center for Street Soccer 945. This organization helps the homeless by providing a chance to play soccer -- giving the participants goals, focus, fun -- and helps build community.

One of the primary leaders of this event was Miriam Stella. Stella told of her reasons for participating in the run.

“Since I love running, the actual race initially drew me in, but when I found out what the money raised was going towards, I couldn’t help but participate,” said Stella.

Rob Cann, coach of Street Soccer 945, spoke about the team after the event. Cann and a number of the players from Street Soccer 945 also participated in the 5k.

Before the week took place, Stella said, “I hope that I, as well as others, gain a better understanding of the homeless. I know that there are many misconceptions about homelessness and poverty in our country.”

The car wash that followed the race was held at Advance Auto Parts of Belmont. The car wash raised $160 and the proceeds went to benefit St. Peter’s Homes -- McCreesh Place in Charlotte. McCreesh Place provides a safe home for formerly homeless men to get back on their feet.

The following day, the Homeless Outreach provided bag lunches to the homeless in Charlotte. Along with the bag lunches, the participants had the opportunity to talk to the homeless and learn about their lives.

On Monday, there was a gathering at the Chi Rho house at 8 p.m. to pray for all the events surrounding Hunger Week, the people involved in Hunger Week, and the homeless around the world.

The next day, the Hunger Banquet was held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the LaPointe Room. The purpose of this banquet was to show the different levels of poverty around the world. In the banquet, participants were given a meal according to the country assigned to them. This event provided insight into the different conditions for countries around the world. Mary Moses, organizer of the banquet, told of her expectations for the event.

“It really helps you become aware of others who are much worse off than us. I hope to bring a new understanding of world hunger to those who participate,” Moses said.

The next event that happened during Hunger Week was the 30 Hour Fast that began on Wednesday at noon. The fast served as a reminder of the lack of food in many countries around the world. Lauren Fennell led this effort, having been involved in the past.

“I enjoyed the experience last year, and I knew I wanted to participate again” said Fennell. She shared her high hopes for the fast before the event took place. “I hope that in the future, we will all be able to reach out to others because this event helped open my eyes to important issues that I knew little about.”

On Wednesday night, the event A Night Without a Home took place in the quad, starting at 8:30 p.m. Building a home consisting of cardboard boxes and newspapers shows students the life of a homeless person living on the streets.

Jessica Hanson took so much from the event last year, she decided to lead the event this year.

“Last year’s Night Without a Home really made an impact on me,” said Hanson. “I saw so much of a positive effect that I wanted to lead it this year. I hope that everyone can see what it’s really like to be homeless.”

The last event of Hunger Week, began with Daily Mass at 5 p.m. on Thursday, followed by a Celebration and Reflection at 5:30 p.m. Food was served and everyone was invited to join in the festivities, celebrating the successes of the week.

A can and money drive took place throughout the entire week. Students spent their weekend standing outside of Wal-Mart collecting canned goods and monetary donations. They raised $280 which went to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Gastonia. Each year St. Michael’s provides meals to individuals and families on Thanksgiving.

If you want to become involved in the future, then please, by all means join in! Campus Ministry is always in need of enthusiastic volunteers for various activities and community service projects.

Perhaps you have an idea for something that we do not currently have available in Campus Ministry. If this is the case, feel free to talk to Ruth Payne or Corein Brown about implementing a new program. Campus Ministry is always eager to expand its services in different ways. We need students like you to help us accomplish this.

If you missed Hunger Week this year, don’t fret -- there are still plenty of opportunities to help the community during your college experience. There is always next year, and for those seniors reading, there is always next semester. Try getting involved during your college years, you might like it!