IC Spreads Awareness to Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month and there are several ways to bring attention to both hunger and poverty. Many may decide to host month-long fundraisers in collection of donations to local food banks while others may choose to volunteer at a community soup kitchen. Whatever actions you decide to pursue in working to fight poverty and hunger, every donation (whether it's time, money, or campaigns) makes a difference. By teaching others the art of volunteering and giving back to those who are in need, we can work to combat the social issues rooted within our communities.

Below is an excerpt from an article I wrote for The Ithacan about a local radio host who decided to walk 100 miles around Tompkins County in New York in order to raise money for a food bank that works to stop childhood hunger.

Check out the full story at http://theithacan.org.

*********************************

In recognition of September as Hunger Action Month, Ithaca College supported Q103.7 radio host Chris Allinger as he stopped by the college Sept. 12 for the last leg of his 100-mile walk around Tompkins County.

Allinger’s walk, called “Walkin’ the Country,” is an annual event he began in order to raise money for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier’s BackPack Program, which puts food into the backpacks of kids, Allinger said.

“They don’t give kids backpacks; they put food into the backpacks while other kids are at lunch so that nobody knows who gets it,” Allinger said. “And this could be the only food they have in that home for the whole weekend or [during school] holidays.”

For the third year in a row, Allinger said, he walked the county asking for donations from the people he encountered along the way. This year, he said he hopes to have raised more money than last year’s estimated $30,000 total.

“Each year is a little bit different, but it’s been great,” Allinger said. “I asked for $3 from every person I meet, and when we tally up all the money at night, we have fewer dollar bills than we have larger bills. People are generous.”

The college's dining services presented Allinger with a $2,300 check to donate to the BackPack program.

Making Connections

Being a journalism and communications student, I have a love for movies and entertainment. The best movies, in my opinion, are like books. They depict a certain message or moral to the viewers, providing lessons and inspiration to others. Whether it's a lesson about the true meaning of love, acceptance, or happiness, movies share with us the ups and downs of life. Some of the best quotes, and some of my particular favorites, include:

• "Life's a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get" ~ Forrest Gump, 1994
• "Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or...learn from it" ~ The Lion King, 1994
• "Don't ever let somebody tell you...You can't do something. You got a dream...You gotta protect it...If you want something, go get it. Period" ~ The Pursuit of Happyness, 2006
• "The world is not a wish-granting factory" ~ The Fault in Our Stars, 2014

My love for movies have led me to become a volunteer at the first-annual All-American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF). The festival, held in Times Square, New York City, allowed me to showcase my passion for film and entertainment while exploring NYC. 

Volunteering at the festival has provided me to network and build connections with industry-executives and other professionals. For instance, my work with assisting at the local college fair has allowed me to network with different universities and schools, a potential for the future if I decide to pursue higher education post-undergraduate. In addition, I have met professionals of the film industry, or potential future employers. Also, I have built relationships with students and volunteers of other similar interests, all while exploring the city of New York and Theater District of Times Square. 

Although the film festival was only held for one weekend from Friday to Sunday, my experience with the festival allowed me to create relationships and make connections with students, professionals, and the city. My connections and networking paid off. 

In February, I landed an internship with the AAHSFF team. As an intern, I am learning many skills that will help me in my future career. For example, I have learned valuable time management skills as a result of the tedious tasks completed. Moreover, I am learning how to further connect and keep in contact with my networks. As an intern, I have utilized my journalism and public relations skills to spread the word about the event, hoping to gather more volunteers and attendees for the festival. The internship has allowed me to learn and grow into both an individual and an employee. 

**To learn more about the All-American Film Festival, future volunteer opportunities, and event/ticketing information, check out the website!

**Click here for the link to the AAHSFF facebook page

**And be sure to follow AAHSFF on twitter

Photo credit: http://geniusquotes.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/David-Brinkley-quote.jpg

About Me

Hi! Well, you're probably wondering who I am and why I started a blog. My name is Sara Kim, a current student of the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College. Welcome to my blog, The Carousel. I am a journalism major with minors in international communications and health policy and management. I love to tell stories, write, learn, and explore. 

Being the curious journalist that I am, I wish to do nothing more than to make a difference in the world. In order that I can make a positive impact on the lives of others throughout the world, this blog acts as a story. It is a story about my journey in seeing the world and experiencing life to the fullest. Through this blog, I will recount my volunteer experiences. I want to inspire others to give back to society and reach out to those in need. I hope others realize the true meaning of giving and how much we take our lives for granted.

It is exciting to know that you have the ability to travel to new places, meet people with diverse backgrounds, and hear stories about their hopes, dreams, and lives. The best part? Anyone can get involved and find ways to help out in one way or another. I have traveled, met people I would have never expected, and heard stories that gave me a new perspective on life...all while volunteering and partaking in community outreach initiatives. I hope to never stop experiencing or seeing all that life has to offer. Everyone has a story. 

And this is mine.