HPU Board of Stewards Stocks Food Pantry at West End Ministries
HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 21, 2024 – High Point University’s Board of Stewards raised $7,000 for West End Ministries during the spring semester and restocked its pantry with nonperishable food. It’s become a tradition for HPU’s Board of Stewards to commit their philanthropic efforts to West End Ministries every spring.
“Serving the High Point community is very important to the Board of Stewards,” said Lorisa Klinger, a finance major and women’s leadership development minor who serves as president of the board and HPU Hayworth Chapel’s outreach and communications coordinator. “Board of Stewards members go to West End Ministries at least once a month to pack nonperishable food items for people in need. Having this in-person experience is extremely impactful for members of the Board as we get to see the place and people that our fundraisers and financials support. To be able to help in this way, funds need to be raised to purchase the food items and support the people at West End in any way they may need. We are so grateful we were able to support West End Ministries in that effort and be a helping hand to fulfill whatever needs they may have.”
In addition to stocking the food pantry, student board members have served at the ministry to learn more about its women’s shelter, Leslie’s House.
“West End Ministries and the HPU Board of Stewards have been partnering now for over a decade,” said Brad Bowers, executive director of West End Ministries. “Together we have been fighting food insecurity and homelessness in High Point. We are honored and thankful to have the HPU Board of Stewards as one of our partners. Together we are making a difference in the lives of people who live in our city and all for the glory of God.”
Klinger said, “Partnering with West End Ministries has opened our eyes to local food insecurity. We feel West End is a perfect opportunity to support those around us. We are so blessed that we have this opportunity to serve and benefit the community. We want to support West End Ministries in all ways we can, and we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with them.”
The Board of Stewards has given more than $80,000 in gifts to local nonprofits over the past four years, said Rev. Dr. Preston Davis, minister to the university. In addition to West End Ministries, the board raised more than $10,000 last fall to support the local Salvation Army’s Angel Tree to provide Christmas gifts for 100 children and the Ministers Conference’s Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship.
“The relationship with West End Ministries is an important one,” said Rev. Andria Williamson, associate chaplain and director of chapel programs. “Not only are students raising funds and serving in ways that support the immediate needs of the organization and community. They are also thinking critically about the meaning and impact of their service, various contributors to the community’s needs and considering long-term solutions. It is quite moving to witness students’ curiosity and passion for the overall health and wholeness of the High Point community. Even more, it is a gift to learn and serve alongside them.”