Speech inspires students to conduct food drive
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/04/2009
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The speech by TOMS shoes’ founder sparked an idea in one Purdue student that will have positive implications for Lafayette residents.
Dan Panozzo, a senior in the College of Technology, said he went to Blake Mycoskie’s speech Thursday. The founder’s words resonated with Panozzo.
“With their program, every time someone buys a pair of shoes, he donates a pair to children in need,” he said. “This got me thinking about corporate responsibility.”
As a computer graphics student, Panozzo is taking a class in which he is part of a mock company. Each company is made up of student groups that monitor their net worth, sell stocks and manage a real world client.
“Since we are these mock corporations in class I thought we needed to do something to give back to the community,” he said.
Keith Johnson, a professor in the agronomy department, is the group’s client. Panozzo said the group is helping the professor make 4-H forage manuals to help students learn more about the issue.
Along with making the manual, Panozzo said he also wanted to conduct a food drive to give back to Lafayette residents.
“We decided to do this food drive. Students in CGT get stock in the company when they donate so it’s incentive for them,” he said. “We are also opening it up to pet food and hygiene items. Everyone can donate. I was inspired by this guy who helped people in need so I wanted our company to be similar.”
People who want to donate can e-mail 411imprints@gmail.com. The group members will schedule a time to pick up the items. Donations will go to Food Finders Food Bank in Lafayette.
Nicolle Miller, a group member and a senior in the College of Technology, said more companies should try to do charitable events because it shows they care for their clients. She encourages Purdue students to donate as many items as they can.
“They should participate because it’s going for a good cause,” she said. “And with all the layoffs, it will be even more helpful this year.”