encore Good works
Invisible Need, Visible Compassion
WMU project helps students with hunger, financial emergencies
Brian Powers
Carolyn Diana
Brian Powers
by
T
hree years ago, during the three-week winter break, a Western Michigan University student found himself without food. Dining halls at Western Michigan University close over the break, and during that period students who rely on university dining for food and do not leave for the holidays have to find food elsewhere. The student had signed up for a meal plan for spring, but that didn't start until university re-opened in two weeks. His money was tight, the days were getting long and he was getting more and more hungry.
From left, Julia Kuntz, Karen Lamons and Shari Glaser founded the Invisible Need Project at WMU.
He wandered into the Residence Life office and told Karen Lamons, the coordinator of housing assignments, “I just really need something to eat.” Lamons packed up whatever food had been left in the office’s kitchenette and handed it over to the student. But that hungry student and his need propelled her, along with Shari Glaser, WMU
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