FULLERTON : Students in Need Find Helping Hand

Most people know that college students eat a lot.

What Jamey Flynn knows is that some of them don’t have enough to eat.

Flynn is the coordinator for CareBank, a student-run emergency aid service at Fullerton College. Students often come to her desk at the Associated Students office, looking to get a little help with food or rent, she said. Most of those in need are older, returning students--many times with families. Flynn said some students feed their children first and then run out of supplies for themselves.

To assist those needy students, Flynn gives out bus passes, small loans and food vouchers or acts as a referral service if she can’t provide the help they need.

Flynn, a 32-year-old English major, is an apt counselor. She was once on welfare because of medical bills from a pregnancy. “I went on welfare and they just treated me like crap,” she said. So she tries to be understanding.

“I think when people come in here, they’re sort of frenzied,” she said.

CareBank only has a budget of $1,000 for each year, and Flynn is trying to raise more money. She said most of that money provides food for students. If they can show need, Flynn can send them to the school cafeteria, which will give them $25 worth of canned, dried and fresh foods. The cafeteria then bills CareBank.

Anyone wishing to help CareBank assist students should call Flynn at (714) 992-7256 or write CareBank at 321 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, Calif. 92632-2095.