While others are getting ready to trick-or-treat for candy, the Society for Forensic Sciences is trick-or-treating for cans to donate to Huntsville’s The Good Shepherd Mission. The organization is sponsoring its first annual “Trick-or-treat for Cans” food drive, which began August 1 and will run through November 16.
“We’re really hoping to collect food so less fortunate families can have large meals for Thanksgiving,” said Adriana Perez, president of the student organization. “Any donation that can help a needy family is better than none.”
Dry goods such as rice, beans, canned soup or vegetables, peanut butter, coffee or tea can be donated at drop-boxes located in the Forensic Science Office located in the Chemistry and Forensic Sciences building and the Criminal Justice Center Fishbowl. “Even packages of ramen noodles will help,” Perez said.
The Good Shepherd Mission serves hot meals at noon and 6 p.m. each day, totaling an average of 1,600 meals a month. Food bank volunteers also disperse food bundles to about 140 local households a week, which add up to 135 tons of groceries per year.
In addition to feeding families, the Mission also provides counseling, lodging, clothing, furniture, bedding and traveler’s aide to needy Huntsville citizens.
The organization’s next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. in Room 101 of the Chemistry and Forensic Science building. For more information about the organization or the food drive, contact Adriana Perez at drana.perez@gmail.com.