William Penn University ALD Aims to Inspire Compassion through Annual Canned Food Drive

William Penn University

(OSKALOOSA, Iowa) – With the changing of the seasons also comes holiday festivities, and many are reminded during this time to give thanks for gifts received from family and friends. As the holiday season approaches, William Penn students are asking for your help to give to others in need.

Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society focuses on academic scholarship, leadership, and community service. “At William Penn University, we have chosen to focus our community service on local hunger,” says Elizabeth Shaffer, current President of ALD at William Penn University. “Hunger is an issue that many in our community, and school, face on a regular basis.”

Shaffer says that 1 in 9 households struggle to put food on the table and the state minimum wage is below the current living wage. “In fact, 52.1% of children in the local school district get free or reduced lunches, according to the 2016–2017 Iowa Department of Education Reports,” she says.

Because of this startling statistic, Shaffer and the rest of the ALD organization would like to challenge WPU students, faculty, staff, and also the Oskaloosa community, to give back to those in need. Examples of donation items include canned vegetables, canned sauces, pasta, soups, cereal, laundry detergent, shampoo, and more. All donations received will be given locally to the Ecumenical Cupboard and the Women’s Shelter in Oskaloosa.

There will be tables set up at Hy-Vee and Walmart in Oskaloosa on Saturday, November 4 from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. where donations will be accepted. “You can provide canned goods or preserved foods, non-perishable items like toilet paper or paper towels, as well as toiletries,” explains Shaffer. “We can also accept cash donations, which will be divided amongst our charities.”