Going for the world record

On November 7, Lehigh Dining Services will participate in the Sodexho initiative to challenge the Guinness world record for pounds of food collected during a 24-hour period by a non-charitable organization. The department will host a “Cans Across America” food drive to benefit America’s Second Harvest of the Lehigh Valley.
The goal for Lehigh contributions will be roughly 2,000 pounds (or 4,000 cans), which strikes Dining Services staffers as a reasonable goal.
“Last year, we committed to a goal of 500 pounds,” says Karrie Dieser, marketing specialist for Dining Services. “With the help and generous donations of the Lehigh community, we far exceeded that goal and donated 1,532 pounds to Second Harvest of the Lehigh Valley. That showed us that the Lehigh community has what it takes to make a difference in the lives of so many people.”
Donations of food items can be made on November 7th at either Rathbone, or The Cort at Lower UC. Residence halls, Greek houses, and offices around campus have also been encouraged to start their own collection sites, with the food items collected transported to one of the two collection spots on campus between 4 and 9 p.m.
For the convenience of the students, all of the campus retail dining locations will have cans available for students to purchase, says Sheena Sullivan, assistant retail director. Stickers on the cans serve as a reminder to donate to help stop hunger.
Items on the Second Harvest “wish list” include cereal, peanut butter, tuna, canned and dry pasta, canned vegetables, canned fruit, salt and sugar, canned and dry soup, rice, canned meats and stews, laundry detergent, diapers and personal care items that include soap, toothpaste and shampoo.
For more information on the food drive event or to volunteer, please contact Karrie Dieser at Lehigh University Dining Services via email or by calling (610) 758-5032.
To make direct donations, please contact Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley, 2045 Harvest Way, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104, visit their Web site or call (610) 434-0875.
--Linda Harbrecht