Basket Drive brings community together

LMC shows support during the holidays

Azi Carter, [email protected]

“Not having to figure out where my turkey is coming from this year is such a relief,” said Britney Griffin, after receiving her basket from the LMC food pantry Monday.  Brittney and her 5-year-old son Brandy’n were among the LMC community members to benefit from the Thanksgiving Basket Drive.

Baskets came with a turkey, green beans, macaroni, cheese, cake mix, cider, rice and diced tomatoes.

“Living on a limited income and being able to afford items for the holiday is challenging, “ said Griffin. “This contribution makes it so much easier to have a nice dinner on Thanksgiving and for that I am so grateful.”

The Umoja Scholars Program and the Food Pantry, with support from the LMC Foundation and the LMC Community, sponsored the annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive Monday and Tuesday for students in need. The application process was fast and simple, students were emailed within a day, confirming pick-up times. The application time was extended to insure every student in need had the opportunity to sign up and receive a basket.

The LMC food bank opened earlier this year in March, and continues to serve the student body. “The beauty of this college, when there’s a need identified, the whole community comes to help,” said LMC President Bob Kratochvil stated in the inaugural ceremonies of the Food Pantry opening,

Waiting for people to show up was the hardest for workers since sharing in the spirit of giving is the highlight of the event.  And not just the sponsors had a vested interest watching from a distance an observer sees how the LMC community came together as a family.

“Serving the student community feels good,” said Rubbaka Irshad. “Deciding to work in the pantry was the best decision I could have made”, added Irshad a student worker in the LMC pantry.  

Helping to share the spirit of giving to those in need is part of the LMC tradition. Ongoing Food Pantry Hours are Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m;  Friday from 1 to 3 p.m.  It’s located in Room SS3-817 by the Cafeteria and The Veteran’s Center.

For more information, please contact John Nguyeat [email protected] or call (925) 473-7553.