By Elisabeth Tharp | Broadcast Reporter
Guests can participate in a variety of activities and events on Noche del Oso, the night before Baylor’s annual holiday, Diadeloso. In particular, the free crawfish dinner asks guests to bring food and other items to help the IFC stock “The Store,” Baylor’s Free Food Pantry. Attendees flocked to Touchdown Alley Monday night with nonperishable food items and toiletries, anticipating a hearty meal, and after dinner, guests were invited to head over to McLane Stadium for a nighttime showing of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on the big screen.
San Antonio junior Hunter Dicianna said he thinks The Store is great because it ensures that everyone on campus is able to get what they need.
“I think it says a lot about Baylor University and how they care about every student getting cared for regardless of their background,” Dicianna said. “Especially at a university where it’s a little more expensive to attend. It’s nice that everyone can have the basic necessities.”
Dicianna said he thinks the event as a whole is a great way to donate to a good cause.
“Even though I’m allergic to crawfish, I’d chow-down if I wasn’t. I think a free crawfish dinner is a great plus to donating to such a great cause.”
Senior coordinator of greek life Erin Ellis said IFC has used this event in the past to create opportunities for Baylor’s chapters to compete in friendly competition for philanthropy donations.
“The growing exposure of food insecurity among our students has been eye-opening. To think that we are surrounded by peers who depend on this kind of service is very humbling,” Ellis said. “Giving back is a small opportunity for our students to recognize the needs of others and to be the caring community that Baylor emphasizes.”
Ellis said they provided close to 1,000 meals and donated over 2,000 food pantry items this year.
“Because this was the first year for us to host the food drive, we didn’t know what to expect, even though we always hope for the best,” Ellis said. “The results were impressive. With the amount of items donated exceeding the amount of meals handed out, by two times, I think we set a really great bar for this even in the future.”
