The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Office of Student Involvement and Leadership hosted its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive in November at the entrance of the L.A. Davis Student Union.
The event brought together student organizations, academic departments, campus offices and community partners to support individuals and families in need during the holiday season, fostering a sense of community pride and shared purpose.
UAPB delivered this year’s donations to Neighbor to Neighbor Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Pine Bluff that provides year-round support to low-income residents, according to a news release.
Neighbor to Neighbor operates a weekday soup kitchen serving hot lunches Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m. The organization also distributes monthly groceries to qualifying households, assists clients with medication and utility costs, and offers free clothing and household goods. This partnership exemplifies UAPB’s ongoing commitment to supporting the community’s essential needs every day.
Participating groups included: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Alpha Rho Chapter; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Gamma Delta Chapter; Black Essence Modeling Team; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Delta Eta Chapter; Essence of A Woman; Harrold Complex Living & Learning Center; Johnny B. Johnson Housing Complex; John B. Watson Memorial Library; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Gamma Sigma Chapter; National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS); National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs Inc. — L.I.F.T. Chapter; National Pan-Hellenic Council; Office of Human Resources; Office of Student Involvement and Leadership; Office of the Chancellor; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Beta Theta Chapter; School of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Human Sciences; School of Business & Management; Student Athlete Advisory Committee; The Outlet; Thomas Groceries; Total Equality Advocates; UAPB Baseball Team; Union Programming Board; Vesper Choir; Word of Faith Student Fellowship; and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Beta Beta Chapter.
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With contributions like canned goods, boxed meals, toiletries, snacks and Thanksgiving staples, these donations helped Neighbor to Neighbor expand its support, providing comfort and stability to local families during a critical time of year, according to the release.
Frank D. Dorsey II, dean for Student Involvement and Leadership, reflected on the meaning behind the effort.
“As an 1890 land-grant institution, our mission OVERSET FOLLOWS:has always centered on service, access, and lifting our community. Supporting Neighbor to Neighbor connects directly to that legacy. When we come together to meet the basic needs of others, we honor our history and strengthen the future of UAPB and the region we serve.”
To learn about upcoming service projects or how UAPB student organizations can support community programs, contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership at osil@uapb.edu or (870) 575-8866.