College and OPIRG Sponsor Saturday’s Countywide Hunger Cleanup By Marci Janas
			APRIL 3, 2000--One of every four children in Lorain County does not have a stable source of food. This statistic, provided by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), is particularly sobering considering the widespread economic prosperity of the era. The 16th annual Hunger Cleanup, on Saturday, April 8, is intended to raise public awareness about hunger in the Lorain County area. Sponsored by the College, its chapter of Ohio PIRG, and several community organizations, the day of community service also aims to raise funds to fight hunger locally, nationally, and internationally. Throughout the day more than 120 students, faculty, staff, and townspeople will volunteer time and labor at selected community service sites throughout the county. Some volunteers will help build Habitat for Humanity houses in Cleveland. Sponsors underwrite volunteers’ efforts, and the proceeds benefit local, national, and international hunger programs. Last year's event raised more than $2000 in hunger relief. "It's easy to forget about hunger and homelessness when we're at Oberlin, and in general, because our economy is so great," says Hunger Cleanup coordinator Alice Cheong, a first-year student from Ellicott, Maryland. "But these issues are very real. Every volunteer effort to help combat these problems is greatly appreciated." Cheong spent spring break in North Carolina, working for Habitat for Humanity. Registration for Hunger Cleanup takes place 9:30 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 8, in Tappan Square. In case of rain, registration will be in King 306. The 10 A.M. kickoff will include a speech by Fran Baumann, president of Oberlin City Council. The City of Oberlin has passed a proclamation recognizing April 8 as Hunger Cleanup Day in Oberlin. Volunteers will be at their sites from 11 A.M. until 2 P.M. College sponsors of the Hunger Cleanup include the Office of Chaplains, the Center for Service and Learning, the Office of Residential Life and Services, the Alumni Association, Oberlin Christian Fellowship, Oberlin Habitat for Humanity, Devorah Goldman, visiting assistant professor of biology, and RESULTS, a community organization. Persons wishing to volunteer may call the Ohio PIRG office at 440-775-8137 or 216-791-1116.
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