HPU Students Deliver 350 Meals to Thank First Responders
HIGH POINT, N.C., April 19, 2024 – Members of High Point University’s Student Government Association thanked local first responders for their service and sacrifice by delivering 350 complimentary meals to fire stations, police departments and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office on April 18.
HPU students loaded the boxed meals into their cars and delivered them to around 20 fire stations and police departments around the city of High Point. The boxed meals included a sandwich, a bag of chips, a cookie and a bottle of water.
This is the fourth year that the SGA has provided meals to local first responders to show students’ support for firefighters, police officers, and other civil servants. A year ago, SGA members delivered 300 meals to first responders throughout the city.
“Honestly, we just love thanking our first responders. We understand that they’re an integral part of our community, including on High Point University’s campus,” said SGA President Hannah Parson, a senior political science major from Orlando, Florida. “It’s just awesome to be a part of that space and thank them for that. They’re all really kind and welcoming.”
Parson was joined by fellow SGA members Hannah Tameling and Braeden Boyle as they delivered boxed meals to surrounding fire departments and police stations. Firefighters had responded to a call when the SGA members arrived at the headquarters for the High Point Fire Department.
Brian Evans, High Point’s interim fire chief, said his firefighters would greatly appreciate it when they returned to the station and discovered boxed meals waiting for them.
“It’s all about efficiency, and so this is going to be very effective and efficient for these men and women when they return from a call to see a good lunch here,” Evans said. “We do appreciate that. We’re collaborative in the city and supportive of High Point University and thankful that High Point University supports the men and women of High Point Fire.”
Prior to arriving at the fire station, Parson, Tameling and Boyle handed out boxed meals to personnel with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office.
“It’s very heartwarming to see folks actually come to us because we can’t leave the building. We’re kind of confined to the building,” said Aaron Chidester, a captain with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. “My staff here can’t even leave for lunch, so they have to bring their lunch from home. For 12 hours, you’re here. You’re kind of stuck. It’s just part of the job, so it is refreshing to see other folks willing to come and see and be a part of this side.”