BHSU STUDENTS, RSVP PROGRAM MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY

Black Hills State University volunteers are making a difference and working to eliminate hunger in the community.

The BHSU Retired Senior Volunteer Program is teaming up with the community to collect donations for the Spearfish Food Pantry as part of Make a Difference Week at the University. The BHSU RSVP program is a volunteer network that finds volunteering opportunities in the community for men and women ages 55 and older.           

National Make a Difference Day is celebrated on Oct. 24, however, Bailey Sadowsky, volunteer coordinator for BHSU RSVP and corporate communication major from Hettinger, N.D., said she wanted to extend the initiative and collect food for a week using a trick or treating approach and providing collection points at campus events.

"I realized how much hunger does affect Spearfish and Americans in general," Sadowsky said. "It's a cause people are not aware of unless they are in that situation. We need to change that."

Make a Difference Week kicked off at the Yellow Jacket football game Oct. 24. Current locations to drop off food include:
  • Oct. 29: Walmart Lueders Food Center BHSU Geek Speak, 4 p.m., Jonas Hall, Room 110
  • Oct. 30: SAAC Trunk-or-Treat, 5 p.m., Young Center Parking Lot BHSU Volleyball Game, 7 p.m., Young Center

Volunteers also will collect food donations during a Trick-or-Treat for Others to Eat event on Thursday, Oct. 29. Volunteers will go door-to-door in trick-or-treating fashion, asking community members for a canned food donation.

In addition to collecting food and donations for the pantry, Sadowsky said the Make a Difference Week events was a great opportunity to connect college students with senior volunteers.

"I want to promote intergenerational volunteering between college students and senior citizens. I have found face-to-face communication and working with people is a really important skill," she said. "It's important that we mix the two groups together and learn from each other and utilize our skills."

For more information on Make a Difference Week, or to volunteer, contact Bailey Sadowsky at 605-642-5198 or email Bailey.Sadowsky@yellowjackets.bhsu.edu.