News-Record.com

This past presidential election, young voters made a difference in the outcome. This holiday season, they're making a difference in their communities.

Students at UNCG host the 14th annual Will Read for Food Benefit on Thursday. Nine local writers will read their works. The public is invited to come, listen and make donations. The money raised from the program goes directly to Greensboro charities.

The program was started in 1995 by the UNCG English Department as part of a national program, Writer's Harvest. After a year, UNCG separated from the program and began its participation in Will Read for Food.

The department decided to break away to make a greater impact in the local community. Terry Kennedy, associate director of the Master of Fine Arts Writing Program at UNCG, has worked with the event since 1998. He says it raises about $1,000 annually, and has raised as much as $2,000.

Kennedy said a reason students volunteer with this event is because it gives them an opportunity to combine their interests: service and writing.

Area food banks are stretched especially thin and UNCG is providing local charities with much-needed assistance.

The UNCG program is just one example of local colleges making an impact in the community. Elon University hosts a similar program where students read selections from their favorite writers and the audience donates canned goods.

College students made a difference nationally on Nov. 4. But more often their impact can often be felt just a few blocks from campus.