Students' Thanks-for-Giving project aims to feed 200 families

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) business students embark on the seventh annual Food For Thought food drive with a new take: the Thanks-for-Giving Project.

With goals of both improving their professional communication skills and serving the community, NMC students in an experiential learning class are preparing 200 boxes, each containing the fixings of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Each box will be given to a local family in need of a little extra support in time for the holidays.

Donations are being collected in a month-long drive from October 19 to November 19. Anyone can get involved by donating food, monetary donations or family games or crafts by contacting the students using the contact information below.

“Every interaction the students have with the community allows them to practice their communication skills while learning the importance and impact of doing positive work in our community," said class instructor Kristy McDonald.

Any extra donations will go towards the NMC Food Pantry. Family Video has agreed to provide 200 turkeys as the centerpiece of each box. A $100 donation would sponsor one box, providing the entire meal for a family. Many other local businesses have committed to helping complete this project.

“We love the passion the students have for this project. As a local business owner we like supporting local projects and real-world learning," said Melissa West of Zoetic Group in Traverse City.

NMC students will be hosting a food drive at Tom’s East Bay, West Bay and 14th Street locations on October 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone who makes a $5 donation or donates five or more items, will be entered in a raffle to win a two-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge.

For more information on how to help, or to learn more please contact the individuals below.

Release date: october 17, 2019

For more information:

Brandon Bugai
Student Marketing Lead
(231) 645-6365
bugai17@mail.nmc.edu

Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
(231) 995-1059
kmcdonald@nmc.edu 

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