By Katlin Sweeney
Features Editor
Now that the Christmas season has ended and the new semester has begun, giving back to the community and donating to charity is often at the back of people’s minds.
However, the people in need of your help are not just seasonal based. They are around you at all times, and they include students on campus. Even if you are already busy amidst your homework and classes, here are two easy ways to help the people around you, even if it is just during a study break.
One way to immediately give back to the CSUSM student body is by helping Summit Church (across the street from CSUSM and next to The Quad) with their Food Distribution program. Summit is in need of volunteers that are willing to help pass out food to students and people that need it. Volunteers would need to show up at 1 p.m. and the actual distribution would take place from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Summit Church parking lot on Feb. 12 and Feb. 26. All CSUSM students are welcome to participate, regardless of if they attend Summit Church or not.
“It’s in conjunction with Donate Don’t Dump, the North County Food Bank and the [CSUSM] Kinesiology Club with Professor Laura de Ghetaldi. In general, it’s to help feed students and families in our community,” Summit College Ministry Pastor Andrew Hopkins said.
In addition to helping pass out food, Summit is also looking for volunteers to participate in Friday Night Heights from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of every month.
“It is a ministry to help out youth/families living in North County Solutions for Change, which is a homeless shelter. We take out the youth to Boomers and serve as ‘Big brothers and sisters.’ The discounted rate for those participating in Friday Night Heights is $12 for activities,” Pastor Hopkins said.
While these are only just a few of the ways to give back to the community, there are plenty of opportunities both on campus and in the San Marcos area. Remember that while the Christmas season has already passed, your ability to help people has not.