In response to the recent flooding that impacted families throughout the Anderson community, Anderson University (AU) and Anderson Community Schools are joining forces for a community-wide Flood Relief Donation Drive, running from August 31 through September 19.
Led in part by Anderson University's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the initiative will bring together AU student-athletes, students, faculty, staff, Anderson Community Schools, local businesses, churches and community members to collect groceries and everyday household essentials for local families affected by the flooding.
"We are pleased to come alongside AU in their community-wide collection of supplies for those impacted by flooding," said Brad Meadows, Director of Communications and PR with Anderson Community Schools. "This drive is another example of their strong commitment and passion for serving Anderson."
"This is exactly the kind of impact we want our student-athletes to have beyond their sports," said Josiah Marshall, Anderson University SAAC President. "Anderson is our home while we're here at AU, and when people in our community are going through something like this, we have an opportunity to step up. The goal is to bring our University, schools, businesses, churches and community together and show what can happen when Anderson takes care of Anderson."
How the Community Can Help
Community members are encouraged to donate new, unopened grocery and household items throughout the drive.
Requested donations include:
— Non-perishable food items
— Toiletries
— Cleaning supplies
— Gift cards
— Baby products
— Other everyday household essentials
Donation bins will be available across Anderson University and throughout the greater Anderson community, giving students, employees, families and community members several convenient ways to contribute.
Where to Donate
Anderson University
Donations can be dropped off throughout the University campus at:
— Olt Student Center — in front of the Diner
— SAIL Office — 2nd Floor of Decker Hall
— Kardatzke Wellness Center (KWC)
— Any AU residence hall
Anderson Community Schools
ACSC Administrative Office
1600 Hillcrest Ave.
Anderson, IN 46011
Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Pay Less — Meridian Street
3050 Meridian St.
7:00 AM–11:00 PM
Pay Less — Cross Street
1845 N. Scatterfield Rd.
6:00 AM–11:00 PM
Pay Less — Applewood Center
1900 Applewood Center Dr.
6:00 AM–11:00 PM
East Side Church of God
2600 E. Fifth St.
Donations will be accepted during services on August 29, September 6 and September 13 at:
9:15 AM and 10:45 AM
A donation bin will also be available outside of the church's central office.
September 19 Community Day at Macholtz Stadium
The three-week effort will culminate with a major Community Day at Macholtz Stadium on Saturday, September 19, as Anderson University Football hosts Kalamazoo at 1:00 PM.
Fans, students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the Anderson community are encouraged to help pack the stands AND the bins by bringing grocery or household donations with them to the game.
Donation bins will be available at Macholtz Stadium as the University makes one final community-wide push before the conclusion of the drive.
"We want September 19 to be a day where our community shows up in a big way," Marshall said. "Come support the Ravens, but bring something with you that can help an Anderson family. If everyone walking into Macholtz Stadium brings even one or two items, think about the impact we can make together."
Community Day will provide an opportunity for Anderson University Athletics to use the energy surrounding a home football Saturday for something larger than the game itself. The goal is to fill Macholtz Stadium with Raven fans while simultaneously filling donation bins with resources for Anderson families.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM. The drive will open at 5:00 PM.
AU Stands With Anderson
The partnership with Anderson Community Schools is designed to help connect the initiative with needs throughout the community and support local families following the recent flooding.
The drive also represents a larger effort to bring different parts of Anderson together. Local businesses, churches and organizations are contributing by serving as collection locations, providing resources and helping spread awareness, while AU student-athletes are helping lead the University's response.
For SAAC, the initiative reflects a commitment to creating opportunities for student-athletes to make an impact beyond competition and build stronger relationships between Anderson Athletics and the community.
The Flood Relief Donation Drive runs August 31 through September 19, concluding with Community Day at Macholtz Stadium.
At a Glance
WHAT: Anderson Flood Relief Donation Drive
WHEN: August 31–September 19
WHO: Anderson University, Anderson Community Schools and community partners
DONATIONS: Non-perishable food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, gift cards, baby products and household essentials
COMMUNITY DAY: September 19 at 1:00 PM, Macholtz Stadium
FOOTBALL: Anderson University vs. Kalamazoo
For additional information about the Flood Relief Donation Drive, contact Josiah Marshall at [email protected].
AU STANDS WITH ANDERSON.
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." — Hebrews 13:16