Hawks’ Nest receives substantial donations to help students through the winter
The Hawks’ Nest, HFC’s official food pantry, was the recipient of three generous donations during the month of December – the season of giving. In total, the pantry received approximately 2,000 lbs. of food.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the support we receive from individuals, groups, and organizations on campus and in our local communities. Without their support, we would not be able to provide this much-needed service for our students,” said HFC Student Activities Associate Mandy Earl.
“Feather the Hawks’ Nest Food Drive”
For the “Feather the Hawks’ Nest Food Drive,” an HFC Staff Council Community Service Project from Nov. 1-30, more than 914.5 lbs. of food and nearly 275 personal care items were donated to the Nest.
Marlene Wojtowicz – the division secretary of the HFC School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development who has been the HFC Staff Council chair for a year – spearheaded the project.
“The Council has been participating in the ‘Feathering the Hawk’s Nest’ Community Service Project for two years now,” said Wojtowicz. “We decided to promote our drive in the month of November, so that we can have time to do our shopping the first week of December. We find that this time-frame gives many of the students the help they need before the holidays. I have always felt it is a privilege and very fulfilling to give back to our College community, and the Hawks' Nest provides a wonderful cause to support.”
Phi Theta Kappa
The HFC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa completed a service project for the Hawks' Nest for the second year, filling bags with extra food and personal care items while the Hawks' Nest was closed over the winter break (it reopened Monday, Jan. 13, the first day of the Winter 2020 semester). Students filled 55 bags, or 275 lbs. of food and personal care items.
“After hearing that HFC students didn’t have access to the Hawks' Nest over winter break, we decided to provide winter care packages so our fellow HFC students could enjoy their time off more comfortably. We definitely had a much bigger turnout this year. With the same budget as last year, it was a bit more challenging to include as many items as we did last year. The PTK used their super-budgeting and couponing skills to ensure that care packages would last throughout the break,” said HFC student Najwa Aboudaye, the treasurer of PTK.
For Aboudaye, her favorite part of this endeavor was seeing how it brought her fellow PTK members together for a good cause.
“It’s nice to let HFC students know that they are not alone,” she said. “I hope they will seek that extra help if they haven’t already done so. The Hawks’ Nest is here to serve their needs.”
Universal Learning Academy
The Universal Learning Academy, based in Westland, made its second largest donation to the Hawks' Nest, totaling 733 lbs. of food (they donated approximately 1,700 lbs. of food in 2019). Members of the ULA’s National Honor Society and Character LEADS Student Committee hosted their annual food drive to help spread hunger awareness and support local families in need. For one week, ULA students competed to raise the largest number of canned goods and non-perishable food items and monetary donations within their homeroom classes.
In the end, they brought in more than 1,000 food items and approximately $621 in monetary donations. The majority of donations went to the Hawks' Nest, upon the recommendation of Fadwa Hammoud, the Solicitor General of Michigan and former member of the HFC Board of Trustees.
“We’re honored for the opportunity once again to contribute to such a worthy cause and allow students to give back to their local community,” said Haifa Mouslemany, a library aide for the ULA.
Support is always welcome
The Hawks' Nest is always ready to accept donations of non-expired, non-perishable food items, personal/toiletry items, and funds. All support goes directly to students. Contact Mandy Earl, mlearl1@hfcc.edu.
