College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

 

Eleven CEAT staff members volunteered at Our Daily Bread in Stillwater and served as shopping assistants for people who came to shop for food. Our Daily Bread is a food resource center that provides meals to local people in need.  

 

Volunteers helped patrons with gathering the food based on the size of their household, helped them fill their shopping carts and assisted with loading the food into their cars.  

 

Susan Malec, a senior academic advisor with CEAT, and Lance Millis, director of CEAT Student Academic Services, took part in the volunteer efforts.  

Other CEAT volunteers included: Anndrea Carlyon, Molly Battershell, Lori Carroll, Sarah Ayres, Mary Francis, Dakota Keith, Jessy Suazo, Susan Malec, Lance Millis, Mary Muth, and Matt Taylor.

 

Malec said it was a rewarding experience for all involved, as it served as a way for CEAT staff members to bond out of the office while also participating in a great cause. It also was a way for the CEAT volunteers to learn more about Our Daily Bread’s mission.  

 

Millis said he had volunteered at Our Daily Bread previously along with CEAT students helping stock the warehouse, and said it was nice to hear that it was the first time an entire office had come together to volunteer. It also gave him a stronger appreciation for how the organization helps Payne County residents.  

 

“This connected me more with actually helping some people and seeing their faces and understanding how much they appreciated what they were receiving,” Millis said. “This was fun because we got to know the people, talk to them and hear about their lives and family.” 

 

Malec said she was impressed with seeing the overall operation of Our Daily Bread, from the grocery market to the personalized shopping system for each person. The shopping experience is like a tiny version of Walmart, where patrons can use a shopping cart to pick out the food they need.  

 

“Our Daily Bread was very easy to work with to set up a volunteer spot,” Malec said. “They have shopping times available at various times during the week. In addition to shopping assistants, they also have a need for warehouse assistants to sort the food that is delivered to Our Daily Bread. OSU students are regular volunteers there. Our group will be volunteering there again!” 

 

Millis said it was enjoyable to have the experience of helping others but also having fun as well.  

 

“We’ve volunteered together before, filling food sacks and we’ve worked Special Olympics two or three times, too,” Millis said. “I’d encourage other offices to do it also. It’s great for team building.”