More than 75 UT Dallas alumni and friends volunteered to help the North Texas Food Bank sort and package meals for the community on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Arlene Bakner MA’91

With so many UT Dallas alumni ready to get to work, the food bank divided alumni into several groups. On one side of the facility Arlene Bakner MA’91 was stationed by a line of boxes ready to be packed with water and canned goods.

“This is such a worthwhile event,” Bakner said. “It’s great to meet different alumni from so many backgrounds.”

Working side by side on the opposite end of the food bank were Abu Sadeq MS’99 and his daughter, Sabeen.

In partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, UT Dallas alumni provided more than 15,000 meals for the area community.

For Sadeq, the Alumni Day of Service was an opportunity to make a difference in the community, as well as a way to bond with his family.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back, network and spend time with my family,” he said.

Abu Sadeq MS’99 and Sabeen Sadeq

Bakner, Sadeq and other UT Dallas alumni spent the morning sorting items such as cans of vegetables into small boxes. Once loaded and sealed, the boxes are ready to be shipped to food pantries across North Texas to help local families in need.

Each fall, UT Dallas graduates are invited to participate in the annual Alumni Day of Service at the North Texas Food Bank. If you have questions or would like to share your experience, please contact [email protected].