The Port Huron campus and the New Baltimore campus of Ross Medical Education Center have a long history of working together to help their students and graduates achieve their career goals. Recently, they took this partnership to another level by working together to host a food drive to benefit The Blue Water Community Food Depot, operated by St. Vincent de Paul in Port Huron.
The Blue Water Community Food Depot has been providing non-perishable goods to families in need in the Blue Water area for over 30 years. Between the two campuses, ten boxes of non-perishable food items and diapers were donated. “It feels good being able to give back to the community in this way,” commented Sierra Friend, evening Medical Assistant student at the Port Huron campus. “Something as simple as a can of vegetables or a box of diapers can really make a difference.”
Typically, The Blue Water Community Food Depot distributes over 238,000 pounds of food each year into the local community. Although it deals with a lot of donations and helps so many people, it is also the only organization in the area that is completely run by volunteers. “I believe in the mission of this organization and the work we do in the Blue Water area,” stated Jeffery Blackman, volunteer at the Depot. “I can see the difference we are making in the community by the smiles we receive from our clients.”
Local community sites give vouchers to families in need who in turn donate and give back to the Food Depot. Besides Ross, other contributors include local hospitals, educational institutions, and companies who conduct food drives every year. In addition, area farmers supply fresh fruits and vegetables during the summer months.
The Blue Water Community Food Depot is located in Port Huron at 2408 10th Street. For more information or to find out how you can help, they can be reached at 810-987-7886.