Ouachita students aid community during Thanksgiving
December 12, 2008 - Adam Wheat
For three years, Ouachita students have been giving of their time and resources during
the Thanksgiving season. The Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community directs
the Thanksgiving basket project which invites students to distribute baskets of food
to area residents in need. This year the project produced a record 44 baskets.
The Elrod Center starts by collecting food donations which come from a variety of
groups including students. Then the large baskets are assembled by student volunteers
who, along with faculty and staff volunteers, present the baskets to families whose
names are supplied by Lighthouse Ministries.
"Holidays are an important time for families," said Judy Duvall, who helps lead the
project through the Elrod Center. "Being able to serve a holiday dinner can be an
encouragement and great joy to families. The individuals helped have suffered financial
hardship or setbacks recently.” She said families often respond with, “shock and then
extreme gratitude."
Duvall said she has enjoyed seeing the number of baskets increase each year and hopes
that the Ouachita community will continue to help bless these families in need each
Thanksgiving.
by Adam Wheat
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