The annual Freshman Food Drive is a tradition at Dakota Wesleyan - one that is meant to help introduce new DWU students to the Mitchell community, as well as the university's core values - learning, leadership, faith and service.
This year's freshmen, along with upperclassmen student leaders, brought in 3,400 pounds of food on Sunday, to donate to the Mitchell Area Food Pantry.
"The Mitchell community has such a giving spirit and the food drive is just one example of that," said Denise Van Meter, associate campus pastor at DWU and missions leader. "For our students - especially the new - to step out into the community and see how generous Mitchell can be, is a wonderful way to introduce them to their new town, because for four years, Mitchell will be a huge part of their lives.
"Also, the Freshman Food Drive is Dakota Wesleyan's way of giving back through service and is our way to introduce new students to the university's values - learning, leadership, faith and service. We want them to begin on their very first weekend to incorporate service into their education and their lives - and hopefully have a little fun while they're at it."
