In a friendly competition, Omaha’s two academic health science centers are racing to gain the most pounds in a pre-Thanksgiving food drive to benefit the Omaha Food Bank.
UNMC and Creighton University faculty, employees and students are invited to participate in the first “Cross Town Can Grab,” organized by UNMC’s first-year medical school class. Donations of food and household goods are being accepted on the UNMC campus through Thursday, Nov. 17.
“We’re hoping to raise the most pounds at UNMC and claim bragging rights,” said first-year medical student Andy Ferdinand of UNMC, who initiated the food drive. “Our goal between the two schools is to raise 5,000 lbs.”
Ferdinand said the idea for the food drive started after Hurricane Katrina. “I noticed a lot of aid going out and knew that with the holidays coming the Food Bank might need some help,” he said. “This is something students and faculty alike can get into and it helps out a lot.”
Food items needed include breakfast cereals (hot or cold), canned pasta, canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, rice and rice products, dry beans, pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, condiments. Household goods needed include toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates (which are used at meal sites), laundry supplies and personal items such as deodorant, shampoo and soap.
Donations may be made at the following UNMC locations:
- Wittson Hall entrance (facing 42nd Street)
- Durham Outpatient Center entrance (facing Emile Street)
- Clarkson Tower entrance (facing 42nd Street)