OSPIRG fights stereotypes on campus

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is Nov. 11 through the 17. Throughout the next week, OSPIRG, a statewide advocacy group, will educate people about hunger and homelessness.This nationwide campaign is trying to educate and change attitudes associated with hunger and homelessness.

OSPIRG will have staff to answer questions about homelessness and other issues at a table between the Smith Memorial Center and Neuberger Hall on Nov. 13 through the 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“There are lots of opportunities for people to get involved off-campus and on … we are a great resource to find out how,” project coordinator Greg Flynn said.

Another event that will take place is a raffle. A raffle ticket costs a dollar, but if you bring in canned food or clothing, the ticket will be free. People can give canned food or clothing to the OSPIRG table on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Prizes donated by local merchants include gift certificates for pizza and coffee. The raffle winners will be drawn on Friday and the winners will receive a phone call if they have one. OSPIRG is hoping for people to bring more items of clothing and canned food rather than just money.

Flynn encourages people to be thoughtful about the clothes and foods they donate. Warm clothing and foods with substance are needed, “The clothing people bring should be wearable … without a lot of holes,” Flynn commented, “and something more interesting than just a can of peas.”

On Thursday there will be an education forum at the Smith Center Room 290, from 2 until approximately 5 p.m. The forum will host presentations dealing with hunger, homelessness and the subject of Dignity Village. The educational forum is to answer questions about homelessness and to also discuss what they city can do to help.

On Wednesday and Saturday there will be trips to soup kitchens. For more information about the soup kitchen events, contact OSPIRG’s office at 503-725-4500. After the week is over, OSPIRG will still be going to the soup kitchens on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, for the rest of the year.

OSPIRG is a statewide advocacy group that deals with environmental work. As of right now, they are running a campaign to help clean up the Willamette River.