OXFORD, Miss. – Students at the University of Mississippi are committed to serving the needs of the local community. It’s that same commitment that led the Ole Miss chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars to select an Oxford-based service organization that would benefit most from a $1,000 grant.
First-year UM pharmacy student and chapter president Emily Draper says the group has selected Lovepacks, a local service organization, as the recipient of the grant.
“We’ve donated to LovePacks in the past when we realized there was a huge need for donations for children in this community,” Draper said.
The NSCS chapter was named one of five applicants to receive the grant to help make a difference in their community. The National Society of Collegiate Scholars sponsored the Engaging Race, a service initiative competition, which solicited applications from more than 300 chapters and alumni throughout the country.
Lovepacks works with counselors at schools throughout the community to identify hungry children who may not have access to meals once they leave in the afternoons. With the help of volunteers and donations, Lovepacks purchases items that are easy for children to open and contain single servings of food such as cereal, pasta, soup, and fruits. The snacks are packed each week and delivered to the school. Counselors then distribute food to students before weekends and holidays.
“Lovepacks is thrilled and humbled to receive the $1,000 donation,” said Mary Leary, co-president of Lovepacks. “It is wonderful how Ole Miss and NSCS is reaching out to help support the local community. This donation demonstrates that these students have a desire to serve others, as well as a desire to achieve academically.”
Draper said the grant could not have come a better time for Lovepacks as they prepare to stockpile items to give children before the summer break. After receiving the check, the chapter is planning a trip to Kroger and Walmart to purchase the most-needed items before helping package the Lovepacks in the near future.
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars invites high-achieving freshmen and sophomores to join each year.
For more information on Lovepacks, find them on Facebook.