Heavy snow was no obstacle for
University of Wisconsin's MultiCultural Student Coalition, which
collected food and clothing Tuesday to support a local food bank.

MCSC partnered with La Colectiva,
Chicano Studies Department and Ella — a Latina student organization
— to help donate goods to Centro Hispano, a non-profit organization
that provides assistance to Hispanics in Dane County.

Centro Hispano focuses on job
placements, housing opportunities and youth education to empower
local Hispanics.

"We feel like everyone is wrapped up
in finals and basically worrying about themselves, but it's
freezing out here and not everyone has food and clothing," MCSC
administrative staff member Kerry McNellis said. "Centro Hispano is
in our community. It's not just us sharing, but they share with us
too."

According to McNellis, Centro Hispano
also has a food pantry that feeds Dane County Hispanics every week.
The organization purchases low-cost food in bulk, and MCSC wanted to
support the cause through their own donations.

About four carts were filled throughout
the day and stored in local churches, according to MCSC
administrative staff member Brian Knowles. More items were collected
in the morning, he said, and there were equal amounts of food and
clothing donated.

"There's lots of snow, so maybe it
was busier in the morning because people don't want to drive on the
roads," Knowles said. "A lot of people say they will come back
and bring some items, and they actually do, so that's really cool
to see."

McNellis said the turnout was
excellent. One girl came with three boxes full of clothes and food,
and those who donated were given free hot chocolate.

"The turnout blew me away,"
McNellis said. "A lot of people saw what we were doing and were
just curious as to why we were out here in the snow. Then they would
come back with some donations. It was great."

The event was not limited to MCSC
members, as the group recruited volunteers from organizations across
campus. UW senior and Kappa Delta Chi member Evelyn Cuevas
volunteered because of her sorority, which she said emphasizes
community service and leadership.

"I heard about this opportunity
through the grapevine," Cuevas said. "So when I heard about it, I
sent an e-mail to all of my sisters encouraging them to come out
too."

According to Knowles, the drive isn't
just about celebrating the holidays. To MCSC, the season never ends,
he said.

"Just because it's Christmas
doesn't mean that people aren't hungry every day," Knowles
said. "I'm in MCSC, so Christmas is always here. It's always
that time to help someone."

McNellis said MCSC will continue
collecting donations throughout the spring semester, though she hopes
to get a greater amount during the holiday season.

"If anything, the weather encouraged
more donations, it's kind of funny," McNellis said. "We're
out here, so maybe they're thinking it's the least they can do to
help."