Carroll University hosts National Day of Service Food Drive

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- It's a simple gesture that can go a long way. Citizens and students at Carroll University have been stopping by the campus center to donate bags of food that can serve as a lifeline for families.

"As a community we`re there to reach out to the weakest link --  those with the greatest needs," David Block said as he donated a bag of food.

"I think it really gives awareness to how we can be involved in our community and how can help others to get involved as well," Carroll University student Stephanie Willnay said.

This is the third year Carroll University has hosted its National Day of Service Food Drive.

University officials are hoping to collect 35,000 meals for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, as there is a great need for food.

"In the last two years, we've seen a 64% increase in the demand for food, so it`s really showing although families are starting to get back on their feet after the recession, they`re still struggling a little bit," Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Communications Associate Kathleen Fugler said.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin serves 330,000 people each year, and nearly a third of those are children.

"Now we`re coming into summer where children may not have access to free and reduced priced lunches. This type of food will help us stock the shelves at our pantries so that way kids can have access to food," Fugler said.

The campus center is one of 14 collection sites the university has set up to gather non-perishable food items.

Even the smallest donations can have a big impact.

The National Day of Service Food Drive runs through Saturday.

For more information on the locations of collection sites you can log onto www.carrollu.edu/alumni/food

To make a monetary donation online log onto onlineharvest.org/carrolludayofservice