Student Activities Office

by

The annual sale of ceramic bowls, dishes and other items went a long way in helping Schoolcraft students in need of food.

An annual fundraiser to help students brought in thousands of dollars as the semester begins to wind down.

The annual Empty Bowls fundraiser took place Dec. 6 in the Vistatech Center, selling ceramic bowls, plates and other pottery created by Schoolcraft College ceramics students. The fundraiser, which helps fund the College’s student food pantry, brought in $3,000 during its three-hour sale.

“Empty Bowls is a longstanding Schoolcraft College tradition, and I couldn’t be prouder of the community for stepping up and supporting our students,” said Todd Stowell, director of the Student Activities Office. “The money raised during this awesome event will help our students who need some assistance as they continue their studies.”

people looking at tables of ceramic bowls
Patrons check out the selection of ceramic items at the Empty Bowls fundraiser Dec. 6.

Those who purchased an item from the sale were also treated to lunch: the College’s Culinary Operations donated bread and soup for guests to enjoy as a thank you for their purchase, served up by Student Activities staff.

The student food pantry is available for students who need some additional assistance while they attend classes. Those looking to donate can drop off non-perishable, non-expired items to the Student Activities Office in the lower level of Waterman wing of the Vistatech Center.

Food donations can be placed in the collection bins in campus buildings or dropped off to the Student Activities Office. Items recommended for donations include cans of tuna or chicken, canned soup, chili or stew, pork and beans, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables and more. Those looking to give money can identify their gift to the Schoolcraft College Foundation to specifically go toward the student food pantry as well.

Students in need of the food pantry’s services can visit the Student Activities Office can stop by from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday during the fall and winter semesters. More information can be found at schoolcraft.edu/student-activities/food-pantry.

by

Several students assisted in the creation of baskets full of Thanksgiving food to help students in need this holiday season. 

Anita Dixon can’t say enough about the generosity of her fellow Schoolcraft College students.

The Nursing student who lives in Taylor recently stopped by the Waterman Wing of the Vistatech Center and picked up one of several dozen Thanksgiving baskets being prepared by Student Activities. The basket, full of delicious items such as stuffing, sweet potatoes, a turkey and pumpkin pie, was a blessing to have during a time where the assistance was appreciated. 

“I think it’s very kind and very generous. They’re so friendly,” she said. “It’s very generous of them to give their time.”

Several dozen baskets were prepared by the Student Activities Office to help out those needing some holiday cheer this Thanksgiving. An annual tradition, students and staff assembled the boxes and distributed them Nov. 20, enough time for those students who were selected for a basket to begin preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. 

person putting food inside boxes
Schoolcraft College students help pack Thanksgiving baskets Nov. 20 outside the Vistatech Center. 

Noah Walters, one of the students helping to assemble and distribute the baskets, said this was his first time assisting with the Thanksgiving drive at the College. 

“I wanted to help the community,” he said. “It’s just been great to see the people’s faces light up. Even if they can’t provide the home-cooked meal that they want, they can still get a good meal for Thanksgiving.”

The items were purchased using money raised from several fundraisers throughout the year, including Empty Bowls and other charitable drives ran by the Schoolcraft College Foundation. Money also donated to the College for the food pantry also assisted with the drive, and the Culinary Arts Department donated the turkeys for each basket.

Todd Stowell, director of the Student Activities Office, said the drive is a great way for students to help one another during the holiday season.

“Students helping students is truly a great thing to see, and Schoolcraft College has some of the most giving students around,” he said. “I’m proud of the work our students do to help each other and am glad we can help them celebrate the season with a full Thanksgiving meal.”

To donate to the Schoolcraft College food pantry, bring non-perishable items to the Student Activities Office in the lower level of the Vistatech Center. For more information, contact the Student Activities Office at 734-462-4422.