Student Organization Feeds Lubbock Families for Thanksgiving

In preparation for Thanksgiving, Texas Tech University's Collegiate 100 student organization partnered with the East Lubbock Community Alliance to provide individuals and families with free meals.

On Nov. 22, churchgoers from the Difference Makers Fellowship Church, located on Buddy Holly Avenue, provided the Thanksgiving feast and served food with Collegiate 100 to more than 200 individuals and families in East Lubbock. The feast included turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes and desserts. Those who came to eat left with bellies full and boxes of leftover Thanksgiving food, canned goods and loaves of bread.

Members of Texas Tech's Collegiate 100 student organization, who mentor often in East Lubbock, also read and played with the children who attended the feast.

Shay Ali-Kparah, graduate adviser of the organization, said building these relationships with community members during college is an asset to a student's life.

“We tend to forget about being a part of the community when we go to college,” she said. “But when you go and visit these families and children who may not be as fortunate as you, you realize how much you can help someone out.”

Collegiate 100, a national community service organization, began a chapter at Texas Tech in 2010. The organization seeks to serve as a beacon of leadership by utilizing unique talents and motivate and empower children to become successful. Its values are built upon four foundations: community service, mentorship, leadership and professionalism.

Ali-Kparah said they will continue their work with East Lubbock and continue to provide children with the motivation and guidance to help them succeed.

“It gives me such a sense of humility when we go out and give back to these families, mentor these kids and watch them grow. It is such a blessing in disguise.”