A UW-Madison student-athlete and founder of the Red and White Hunger Fight recently led the second annual campuswide Thanksgiving food drive for families in need throughout the area.
Michele Dalton, a UW-Madison junior and a goalkeeper on the women's soccer team, said she was inspired to organize the Red and White Hunger Fight because of her experience running a similar food drive in high school.
""I was just given charge of the food drive in high school. I didn't really know what to do, and it wasn't my first choice [of assignments],"" Dalton said. ""But it turned out to be a huge success compared to other years and one of my best high school experiences.""
This year, the Red and White Hunger Fight raised $1,500 and collected thousands of pounds of food. However, Dalton said this year was not quite as successful as last year.
""I think it has a lot to do with the economy. People are less likely to get involved or to donate their time and money,"" Dalton said. ""But during our end-of-the-year meeting we will discuss the drive, and hopefully next year and the years after that it will continue to become more successful.""
Dalton connected with a variety of organizations on campus, including the Morgridge Center for Public Service, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, UW Homecoming and the Wisconsin Students Public Interest Research Group to reach as many UW-Madison students as possible.
Dalton said she plans to pass down the traditions of the organization when she graduates.
""The Red and White Hunger Fight will hopefully be here for years after I am gone,"" Dalton said.
