Center Stage: SMAC Event Puts USM Talent and Eagles Nest Donations in Spotlight
Tue, 10/09/2018 - 08:58am | By: Geoff LoCicero
If you've got extreme entertainment skills – or if you have food items you're willing to donate – then SMAC has the perfect opportunity for you.
The Southern Miss Activities Council is holding its annual USM Has Talent show on Wednesday, Oct. 17, including a donation drive to benefit the on-campus Eagle's Nest food pantry. Students are encouraged to make a donation if they are able. The show is at 7 p.m. at Bennett Auditorium; doors open at 6:30.
The pantry's top food donation needs include:
- Canned milk
- Canned tuna and canned chicken
- Fruit cups
- Mac and cheese
- Spaghetti or macaroni noodles
- Spaghetti sauce
- Microwaveable non-frozen meals
- Peanut butter
“Thank you to SMAC for providing this opportunity for people to donate to the Eagle's Nest food pantry,” says Dr. Tamara Hurst, social work assistant professor and faculty adviser to the student-managed Eagle's Nest. “The pantry serves between 50 and 70 clients each day we are open. The generosity and support of the USM community keeps our shelves stocked and our doors open.”
The pantry, an initiative of the School of Social Work, is available to any students, staff, or faculty who are temporarily in need of basic necessities, including food. It also provides hygiene items and school supplies for those with children.
The Eagle's Nest is located in the basement of The Hub building and is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Email saswFREEMississippi for more information.
“USM Has Talent event usually turns out to be one of our most popular events of the semester,” says Nia Jenkins, SMAC events director. “This year, we have really been working to use our following to make a difference. Since this event notoriously pulls a crowd, we thought asking for donations to a worthy cause, such as the Eagle's Nest, would be an amazing avenue for SMAC to help students make a difference on campus.”
Competing in the show will earn student organizations points as part of Homecoming Week. To learn more about USM Has Talent, contact Zachary Agee at Zachary.AgeeFREEMississippi.
For questions about the School of Social Work or the Eagle's Nest Food Pantry, contact Geoff LoCicero at 601.266.6276 or geoff.lociceroFREEMississippi. For questions about SMAC, contact April Broome at 601.266.6974 or april.broomeFREEMississippi.