November 4, 2009 - Student veterans at California State University, Bakersfield are asking the community to give back to those who have given so much. Individuals and organizations can show thanks to local veterans in need this holiday season by contributing to a food drive.

"This is a very caring community and we hope everyone will open their hearts and pantries to contribute food for veterans who need some extra support," said Anita Orr, a student veteran and president of the CSUB Student Veterans Organization. "We will be making food baskets and delivering them to local veterans and their families during Thanksgiving and Christmas."

Donations of canned and dry food will be accepted now through November 30. Donation boxes can be found at the following locations and times:

• CSUB, 9001 Stockdale Highway, in Dorothy Donahoe Hall and the Student Union; Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Bakersfield VA Community Clinic, 1801 Westwind Drive; Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All food items should be nonperishable and in unopened packages.

Suggested canned donations include fruit, vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce, stew, soup, chili, tuna/salmon, spaghetti/pasta, corned beef, beans, and evaporated milk. Suggested dried food items include rice, beans, stuffing, pasta, powdered milk and cheese, flour, and sugar.

"If you can bring just one item or a shopping bag full, every item will help to brighten the holidays for local veterans in need," Orr said. "It's the very least we can do."