The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

One of the core values at LSC-O is service to the community. Ever ready to serve the community, the faculty, staff and students of Lamar State College – Orange united in an effort to lessen the challenge of a fundamental need within the region they serve. Through numerous fundraisers campus-wide, LSC-O recognized a challenge raising a total of $5,300 to assist five area soup kitchens. On December 10, 2014, five checks for $1,060 each were presented to Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Mt Sinai Baptist Church, St. Mary Catholic Church, Salem United Methodist Church, and First Presbyterian Church.

It was easy for the committee at Lamar State College – Orange, known around campus as the LSC-O Elves, to recognize the need of the community in feeding those less fortunate than many.

The goal was set, fundraising events were scheduled, and in the tradition of the college, an outpouring of support was realized.

Numerous events included links sales, cooked by the master, Butch Campbell, Frito pie sales, brown bag lunch day, casual dress, and “What’s in Your Wallet Wednesday’s”.

The annual “Cooks for a Cause” was a huge success with “friendly” competition among the campus community.

The cooking competition was judged this year by Terrie Smith, Beth Rach, and Phillip Saperstein.

In the Soup Entrée category, Cathie Phillips Crawfish Chowder took the prize for the third year in a row.

Other winners included Diana Kinto’s Crawfish Fettuccini for Main Entrée and Kinto’s Pecan Cheesecake Squares for dessert category.

The LSC-O Computer Center took the honors for most unique team name with Cool and the Gang-Green”.

Every day, across the Greater Orange Area, there are many people burdened by a basic need. The need for nourishment, a simple meal, is something that most of us never give a fleeting thought. Yet for many, a simple meal to carry them through the day is all they ask. Six days a week across Orange County, hundreds of our neighbors and friends can be found at one of the area soup kitchens seeking a healthy meal. In some cases, this meal is the only form of nourishment they may receive. At each of the soup kitchens you will find numerous volunteers giving of their time, talents, and treasure.

The LSC-O Elves would like to thank the “Beautiful Little Campus Downtown” for their tremendous outpouring of support. Not only will the additional funds help our area soup kitchens, but a new awareness of the needs of our community has been brought to the forefront. Through the blessings received, may each person never forget the needs of the neighbors in our beautiful community.