Students ‘Flex’ Generous Nature Through Donations to People to People

Surplus funds from “Flex” portion of meal plan provide more than 1,600 lbs. of food and beverages

WOOSTER, Ohio — College of Wooster students are spreading holiday cheer throughout Wooster and Wayne County by designating unused funds from the “Flex” portion of their meal plan to provide food and beverages for residents in need. By the end of the semester, students had donated more than 1,600 lbs. of merchandise from MacLeod’s (the College’s convenience store), which has since been delivered to People to People Ministries.

The student response was so enthusiastic that Wagers and his staff had to pull institutional-size foodstuffs from their inventory to account for their generosity. Items included cereal, apple sauce, pork ‘n beans, wild rice, pancake mix, and fruit drinks as well as scores of single-serving items.

“I am very proud of our student's commitment to helping others within their community,” said Chuck Wagers, director of Wooster’s campus dining services who estimated the value of the donations to be about $6,500. “I am also happy that our department can assist them with this effort.”

Robin Sharp, administrative assistant at People to People Ministries, expressed gratitude on behalf of the agency. “It’s exciting to know that students are interested in supporting the needs of our community,” she said. “What they have provided is so important, both for large families and individuals living alone. It is a wonderful, wonderful outreach by the College and its students.”