Despite the stress of finals, students on campus have slotted some time to give back this holiday season. California State University, Stanislaus organizations such as The Hunger Network, Children’s Crisis Center and Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) are in the midst of collecting canned food and other items to donate to community members.
Campus club The Hunger Network wrapped up their annual canned food drive Dec. 5. Although they don’t have a count yet, club advisor Dr. Tamara Sniezek said the club hopes to have collected at least 3,000 cans of food, and in previous years, has exceeded their goal.
All collected food is donated to The United Samaritans Foundation (USF), one of the largest food banks in the Stanislaus County area. Dr. Sniezek explains that the food is directed to USF’s emergency food box program.
“Emergency food boxes provide three to four days’ worth of meals to low-income families at the end of the month, when typically their money runs out,” Sniezek said.  “We hope we play a small part in easing some of the worry low income families have about keeping everyone fed!”
Also joining charitable efforts are The Children’s Crisis Center and ASI, who teamed up to host “Warriors Care,” collecting food and hygiene items to donate to the Children’s Crisis Center in Turlock. They are collecting canned or box food donations that are both unopened and non-perishable, such as: rice, soup, beans and noodles. They also are looking for donations of personal hygiene products, including: deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc.
“Many of the families that utilize the services that the Children’s Crisis Center provide leave with whatever is on their back or what they can fit in a bag,” said Derrick Saenz-Payne, Director of Diversity at ASI.
“Our goal is to collect food to help feed families that come to the center for shelter or ask for help in a time of crisis. The personal hygiene items are to help supply families some of the bare necessities to maintain healthy hygiene at a time when they are in need or displaced from their home.”
Student donations are not only appreciated by the community, but also recognized on campus. Dr. Sniezek said advising The Hunger Network is one of the most rewarding parts of her job; she expressed how proud she is of her members.
“Hunger Network members are some of the kindest and most generous people on campus,” Sniezek said. “I am continually amazed at how they give, not only of their time, but often what little money they have to help the less fortunate.” 
Although The Hunger Network’s food drive ended on Dec. 5, “Warriors Care” will continue collecting until Dec. 14. Drop off locations are as follows: Dec. 3 – 7 in the quad from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Dec. 10 – 14 in ASI, on the second floor of USU Building. To show their appreciation, each donor will receive a “Warriors Care” wristband keychain.