The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING: Everything from charity events to pumpkin pie feasts

DEVONNE EDORA AND MAYA LIFTON

PRIDE STAFF WRITERS

With all the classes, studying, and tests the fall semester seems to just have flown by and it’s now officially Thanksgiving break. However, as poor college students, it can be difficult to fly back and forth to see family for the holidays. While we are just around the corner from our much-needed Winter Break, the Thanksgiving holiday is a relaxing breather right before finals week. Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and close friends. It is also a time where we should recognize all that we have in our lives. That doesn’t mean that those who are here for Thanksgiving can’t enjoy in all the holiday’s festivities.

On the day of Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, there will be two separate run/walk events. The annual Run for the Hungry event is held in downtown San Diego at Petco Park East. You can choose to participate in a 10K run, which begins at 7:10 a.m., or a 5K run/walk, which beings at 8:15 a.m. The organizations that will benefit from this race are the San Diego Food Bank, Foodmobile, and Jewish Family Services.  These nonprofit organizations are dedicated to helping anyone who cannot afford food. The event will also collect food that these organizations can distribute on Thanksgiving. If you can’t personally make a donation, there are other ways you can contribute. You can volunteer at the event, which may include tasks such as setting up tables with food for the runners and walkers once the race is over, or serving them water throughout the run/walk. The second option is to ask friends or neighbors if they would be willing to donate canned food for the event. If you are interested in participating in the actual race, you need to sign up ahead of time. To find more information, you can visit the site at http://www.kathyloperevents.com/hungry/.

In Oceanside, The Pacific Marine Credit Union will be celebrating their fifth annual O’side Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, an event that benefits the Oceanside Schools, the Move Your Feet Before You Eat! Foundation, and the Virginia Ann Scheunemann Memorial Fund. The Turkey Trot has several events, including a five mile run/walk, as well as an open 5K run/walk and a “locals only” 5K run/walk, as well as kids’ events. The event has raised over $46,000 in the last three years and continues to honor their commitment to fundraising again this year. Whether you wish to participate or just to check it out, you can find more information on http://www.osideturkeytrot.com

But what if you find yourself unable to leave campus? Start the week’s festivities early. The American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) will be hosting a Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Feast on Tuesday, Nov. 23, from 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. in Commons 206. The University Village Apartments (UVA) will also be hosting a Thanksgiving lunch. Dishes such as turkey, ham, and rice will be served for all in the UVA lobby. The UVA lobby will also have a “What are you thankful for?” board. Students can take a post-it note, and write down what they feel they are thankful for and residents can see what others have shared. If you are the type to have a more traditional Thanksgiving holiday, make sure you drop by the Farmer’s Market that will be open the day before Thanksgiving. It’s a good way to bypass crowds at the market while still getting all your favorite fall foods and goodies. Go with friends and plan a dinner with the fresh locally grown produce you buy.  It’s right here on campus in parking lot B, from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Either way, get creative, whether you are a student from abroad or an American who just can’t get home for the break, Thanksgiving can still be a great time of year for college students.

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