This year, Wartburg College’s department of Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry will be facilitating their annual winter break service trip from Feb. 27 to March 7 in Indianapolis, IN.
The group will be partnering with local organizations in the area such as Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Midwest Food Bank and Second Helpings. Students can expect to aid in the sorting, packaging and reorganization of food, as well as helping community members acquire curbside groceries during this frigid season.
According to Second Helpings, approximately 1 in 4 Indianapolis residents rely on some type of food assistance. This number is expected to increase given recent government funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
The trip will be co-led by seniors Alina Ahmed and Hayden McCormac. Ahmed has been on three other service trips during her time at Wartburg including Chicago, Nashville and Milwaukee. She finds that these trips encourage her to explore the world while also giving back to the community.
“I don’t want people to see it as like a hassle or as a chore, but more of like, ‘what can [I] gain out of this?’” Ahmed expresses. “Maybe you’ll find that you’re gaining lots of leadership opportunities, you’re making friends…service trips are a great way to foster all of those different things.”
There is a $125 fee to secure a spot on this expedition. The payment will cover students’ housing, meals and other anticipated expenses throughout the duration of the trip. Furthermore, scholarship opportunities are offered through the department for those who may need financial support to travel.
For general questions regarding the trip, please contact Alina Ahmed at [email protected] or [email protected]. For scholarship information, contact Chaplain Maggie Falenscheck at [email protected].
