2nd Annual 'Bag Drop' Supports Kent Social Services

Following the success of last year's inaugural Bag Drop food drive by students at Kent State University the program is returning this spring to benefit the food pantry at Kent Social Services.

Last year, students helped gather more than 4,000 food and personal care items — the pantry's largest one-time donation — through the bag drop system.

Starting Tuesday, April 2, students in Deric Kenne's graduate class in the College of Public Health will deliver hundreds of empty grocery bags donated by Acme to houses in the Kent area and ask residents to fill the bags with non-perishable food and personal care items.

Students will return on Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m. to deliver the full bags to Kent Social Services.

"Students participating in the course get a real-world, hands-on experience in planning, implementing and evaluating a public health program," Kenne said. "At the same time, students are able to contribute to the community."

For community members whose homes do not receive a bag, donations may be taken directly to The Lord’s Pantry at 1066 S. Water St.

Sonia Alemango, Kent State University’s Dean of the College of Public Health, said they are thrilled to support to the social service agency.

"We welcome the opportunity to contribute in our own backyard," Alemagno said.