USC Aiken students gave children at North Aiken Elementary food for thought – and for their bodies – Friday.
The students delivered more than 160 backpacks filled with nutritious food and snacks from canned goods and other items collected as admission to USCA's annual One Table Thanksgiving dinner last week. Having the extra food ensures the students and their families won't be hungry over the long holiday break that starts Wednesday.
The USCA students also talked to the children about what it's like to be a university student as part of North Aiken's annual College Day program.
“If students are food insecure, they'll have some food to help get them through the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Christian Medders, an assistant director of Student Life at USCA. “We as a campus community are very, very blessed, and it's good for us to be able to invest back into our community, especially with the younger generation.
“It's a way to show them the importance, one, of giving back to their community and, two, to let them know that we are here and we do care about our community.”
Principal Elisa Sanders-Pee said community support is important for her students.
“All students have different needs, and the one need that these backpacks fulfill for all students is just knowing that someone beyond the walls of North Aiken Elementary School is thinking about them and wants them to be successful.”
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