WSU holds free Thanksgiving dinner for students

Wright State University will hold a Thanksgiving dinner today for its students who can’t travel home for the holiday.

The university hosted the free meal for the first time last year, when the switch to a semester calendar shortened Thanksgiving break to just a few days instead of six weeks. That change left international students, those from out of state and former foster youth with no food service on campus for the weekend.

“We got to talking that we ought to do something for the students who stay back on campus or live on campus and do not have access to food for the weekend,” said Craig This, data analyst for Wright State’s Office of Institutional Research.

“The big impetus is that the university is going to be closed down for three days. What are we doing for the students that, for whatever reason, don’t go home for Thanksgiving?” he said.

The result: Raidersgiving. A free meal for any student who wants it from noon to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving day put on by volunteers from the Unclassified Staff Advisory Council, Alumni Association, Residence Services and We Serve U. The leftovers are also available to the students over the weekend, said This, who is chair of advisory council.

Junior Kenesha Hunter, of Dayton, plans to attend again this year.

“I had such a great time last year,” she said. “This is a great event because it connects people on one of the most important days of the year. I know some students are not able to get home to be with their families because of financial reasons, maybe the weather, or maybe because they are working in this area. However, this event gives them the chance to still have a great meal with their Wright State family.”

Students also decorate cards to donate to the Children’s Medical Center.

With the first year a success, Wright State expects about 60 students to attend today and donations to the event to grow. This said many international students are planning to bring dishes popular in their home countries.

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