Submitted by Emily Ogden, an STCC and Phi Theta Kappa student
Hello! My name is Emily Ogden. I am currently a Health Science major here at STCC and plan to apply to the nursing program. I have always had a passion for helping others and bettering our community. Phi Theta Kappa gives me the opportunity to give back to our community and help individuals who are struggling.
Food security has become a growing challenge in western Massachusetts, driven by poverty. So, our chapter organized a Thanksgiving food drive. One of the first contributions came from Costco, where manager Jon Hager cheerfully supported our cause. But what moved me even more were the donations from our faculty and students. Some donated bags of food and some offered a single can with sincerity. A young mother quietly donated several cans of baby formula reminding me that generosity is not measured by how much someone gives, but by how deeply they care.
We then excitedly gave our food items to Dr. Miah Dreger, Dean of STEM, who appreciated our efforts and donated them to the Ram Mini Mart to support STCC students facing food insecurity. That same spirit of service carried me beyond campus and into our community, where we volunteered at Not Bread Alone, a soup kitchen run by the Center for Human Development (CHD).
You may wonder how volunteering at a soup kitchen helps food security? Here, by providing free nutritious meals in a welcoming environment we remove barriers to access thereby supporting the health of our community. On the other hand, it promotes environmental sustainability by reducing food waste and strengthening local food networks.
Supervisors Diane Berg and Robert Stover graciously guided our team. They showed us the huge pantry, sustained entirely by donations from local supermarkets, a spotless well-equipped kitchen, and a spacious decorated dining hall. As soon as we stepped into the kitchen, we were immersed in sounds chopping vegetables, simmering pots, dishwasher gurgles and laughter between volunteers who felt like family. The thanksgiving menu had a starter, split pea soup, salad, and dessert. The main dish was frittata, turkey shepherd’s pie, roasted vegetables and rice. There was vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free options! We washed our hands and started helping as directed. Serving meals was the most rewarding part. Guests shared stories, smiles, and quiet moments of gratitude. I realized then that hunger is not just a physical need, it is also emotional. And meeting that need is indeed an act of pure love.
This journey has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. It reaffirmed why I want to be a nurse, why community matters, and why even small acts of service can change someone’s day. I am grateful for PTK, for Not Bread Alone, and for STCC volunteers who showed up to serve. A quote displayed there said “There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” That sentiment captured the spirit of my experience. Together, we’re proved that hope grows where people care. One donation. One meal. One moment of kindness at a time to change our community and our world.
