Every Thursday evening, dozens of Plymouth area citizens are welcomed into the community room of the Congregational Church on Main Street, and are given a free, warm meal. The Meals for Many program depends on volunteers, and Plymouth State University is well represented, with members of sports teams and student organizations helping out on a regular basis.
For one student, though, there is a special pride in helping the Meals for Many program. Jerod Kerouac, a senior communication studies major, raised enough money to buy 11 new tables for the program. Kerouac’s incentive to replace the tables started one night when he and another student volunteer were putting away the old tables.
“A piece of a table broke off, and it fell on my friend’s foot. I knew something had to be done,” said Kerouac, who has volunteered for the program for about a year. Kerouac was awarded a $1,000 grant from the Alumni Tower Fund last spring, with the promise he would match that amount from other sources while participating in a community enhancing project. Kerouac’s idea to raise money for new tables was embraced by generous donors in Residential Life and University Police, as well as various members of the Congregational Church. He was able to raise $1,175 dollars, which, along with the grant, was enough for 11 lightweight tables capable of seating eight adults.
“The best part about the tables is that they have a 10-year warranty on them,” said Kerouac. “Hopefully, they will not break, but if something happens to them at least they can be replaced.”—Bruce Lyndes
