RSU Students Collect Canned Goods for Claremore Families

RSU PLC collecting food items

Rogers State University’s President’s Leadership Class is serving the community for the holidays.

Together, RSU admissions, the Claremore Collective, Claremore Chamber of Commerce and RSU’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity will gift families in Claremore a Thanksgiving meal on Friday, November 19. Claremore Public Schools will identity 15 families in need. 

By participating in this project, RSU students will gain first-hand experience in communication, teamwork, organizational skills, problem solving and networking. They also gain life skills by learning to serve others.

Volunteering teaches valuable skills they wouldn’t be able to learn in a classroom. Students also create important connections that guide them to different career openings later in life. Contacts made through volunteering often lead to letters of recommendation, references, and help with finding job opportunities. Additionally, students can feel a unique sense of fun and fulfillment as they contribute to a meaningful cause.

PLC President Cassidy Beck, a junior from Pawnee, said It’s important for students to participate in community service projects.  

“The Claremore community is invested in our education. Whether it is through donations, providing students with a sense of belonging, or providing employment opportunities and internships, they play an important role in our college experience,” Beck said.

Items needed for the Thanksgiving baskets include: box of stuffing mix, box of instant potatoes, bag of potatoes, box of macaroni and cheese, brown sugar, canned yams, bag of marshmallows, can of green beans, can of corn, can of cranberry sauce, can of cornbread mix, water bottles, iced tea mix, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, napkins, disposable pans, pie crust, cool whip, canned fresh fruit, package of dinner rolls, butter, eggs, package of french fried onions, can of pumpkin pie mix, box of cake mix, cake frosting and package of cookies.

Monetary donations are also accepted, and the funds will be used to purchase items on the list on the donor’s behalf. All donations are due by November 15.

Students, faculty, staff and the public can drop off donation items at RSU’s Office of Student Affairs, Preparatory Hall, Baird Hall, Residential Life, Chapman Dining Hall lobby and the Stratton Taylor Library, as well as the Claremore Chamber of Commerce lobby.

Community service and engagement is an integral part of education at RSU. The university promotes and encourages students, faculty and staff to engage in activities that serve communities in Claremore and beyond. RSU offers several opportunities for all students, faculty and staff to get involved in community-based and volunteer activities.

“Some of the best memories and moments I have are eating together as a family. We want to ensure every family has that opportunity to gather at their own table, thankful for a community who loves and supports them,” Beck said.