Two University of Southern Mississippi organizations are hosting a food drive to support the Berean Children’s Home in conjunction with their annual Turkey Bowl football game in November.
The Golden Eagle Fitness Club and the Southern Christian Student Center are competing to see which group can collect the most donations. The winning team will earn a two-point conversion after its first touchdown. The clubs are partnering with the Berean Children’s Home to collect food and hygiene products for the children who live there.
The student body and the Hattiesburg community are encouraged to donate to either organization. Requested items include condiments, personal care products, baking ingredients, snacks, canned vegetables and baked beans. Donations can be dropped off at 3500 Montague Blvd. through Nov. 24 before 4 p.m.
SCSC campus minister Ben Rickman said the organization has a close connection with the Berean Children’s Home, as one of their members adopted a child who once lived there. Each summer, the SCSC invites children from the home to attend a campus camp at USM, giving them the opportunity to learn and bond with college students.
“We have a really close connection with the Berean Children’s Home,” Rickman said. “We understand that going into winter and going into this time of the holidays, that food is so important for them because food security is such a huge deal.”
Former Berean Children’s Home resident Matthew Morrow said he understands the challenges of food insecurity firsthand. He recalled times when residents could not get second servings because there wasn’t enough food. Morrow said the support from these student organizations makes the children feel loved and valued.
“It would be a big benefit because then they would feel like someone loves me, someone wants me, someone wants to hang out with me, and then just feeling that can be a lot,” Morrow said.
Golden Eagle Fitness Club President Joseph Dunlap said his organization strives to make a difference beyond the university campus.
“Not only do we want to be known for making an impact on campus,” Dunlap said. “But, also just showing love and kindness for people just like Jesus did, that’s all we want to do.”
The Turkey Bowl game will take place Monday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. on Pride Field. Students are invited to attend and spend time with the children from the Berean Children’s Home.