Central Texas College Tech students donate to Cove House

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

Every year for Thanksgiving, Central Texas College technology students and staff enjoy a Thanksgiving potluck meal. They also gather donations which are given to a charity of their choice. This year, they chose Cove House.
Leading up to the potluck event on Thursday, students gathered hygiene products, blankets, water, and more which were presented to Cove House.
Debbie Clark, the teacher who helped organize the event, said that although the teachers help direct the event, the students are the ones who made the event happen. 
“It’s great. One of our ongoing issues is just awareness, and to have them help us get the word out on campus and get young people in the mindset of giving really means a lot,” said Brian Hawkins, Cove House Executive Director. “It’s important to pass that mindset on to the next generation…We appreciate them taking the time and their money to purchase these things, donate them, and give them to those in need.”
Lovie Dunn, Department Chair of Office Technology, said that many of their students have needed help at some point in their lives and were able to empathize with the cause. She said they were more than happy to donate and give back.
“Office technology students are the best!” said Dunn. 
Dunn said that it was great that one of the students, Charity Hagan, was able to get a club involved with the event. Hagan is a member of the car club, Strength in Numbers, and she said they were excited to help out.
“Me, as one person, I can only do so much,” said Hagan. “They were doing charity work anyways.”
Melinda Montoya, Career Pathways Coordinator, said that three of her students from the adult education program which offers free GED and ESL classes participated in Thursday’s event. For the first year, those students were also able to take technology classes through the program for the first time. Those students were happy to donate items for Cove House as well.
“This is something they took upon themselves. We want them to be able to take the initiative to be involved,” said Montoya. “That’s part of the experience of growing and part of the college culture.”