One Bemidji State student’s idea evolved into a large charity effort.

Jessi Eickstadt thought of the idea for a dinner to feed the homeless less than two weeks before it happened on Nov. 16. She needed volunteers and donors in order to make it happen with no budget.

An outpouring of support from the community led to a successful dinner at the Native American Resource Center on campus. Center director Bill Blackwell and restaurants in the area played a large part in Eickstadt’s event, which she planned on her own.

People in attendance received gift bags complete with toiletries and clothing items. There were also coats and jackets available for anyone who needed one. Clothing that wasn’t claimed on Monday will go to other charities in the Bemidji area.

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