Andrew Bianco spends Winter Break volunteering in San Antonio

2016 Jan 26

Andrew Bianco of Sharpsville was one of 11 students who participated in Baldwin Wallace University's Alternative Break service program and traveled to San Antonio over Winter Break. Bianco, a graduate of Hickory High School majoring in chemistry, took part in a variety of activities exploring issues of hunger and food insecurity in a diverse community including immigrant families and veterans. The trip was led by BW student Elizabeth Hiros with support from staff advisor Joe Lehman.

The students volunteered at five locations during the trip. At the San Antonio Food Bank, they learned about the functioning and funding of the food bank and helped pack groceries to be distributed throughout Southwest Texas. The group prepared and served lunch to residents of Haven for Hope, which houses people who have committed to job training and/or recovery. Students also volunteered at a food pantry stocking shelves and at a YMCA afterschool program helping kids make holiday cards. The last day of the trip was spent working at a "holiday food giveaway" in a parking lot where food was distributed "drive up window" style to those who qualified.

The Alternative Break experience at BW provides students with opportunities to make a difference, travel to another area, learn new skills and meet people with similar interests. Alternative Break is one of many community service programs organized by the David & Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement to support BW's mission of empowering students to become contributing, compassionate citizens of an increasingly global society. Community groups interested in partnering with BW can contact the Center for Community Engagement at 440-826-2403 or oco@bw.edu.