During Hispanic Heritage Month, numerous cultures and organizations come together to celebrate the Latin American community around the world. Amid all the festivities, two organizations at The University of Tennessee at Martin have decided to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in a different way: giving back.
The Latin Hispanic Student Organization, otherwise known as LHSA, is a registered student organization at UT Martin. The student organization aims to uplift, support and provide fellowship for Hispanic students at UT Martin.
Hayden “Gio” Blouin, a junior marketing major from Arlington, Tennessee, is the current president of LHSA, which he has been a member of since his sophomore year. He explains that the canned food drive goes to benefit St. John’s Community Service.
“We’re doing it because it’s an opportunity to give back and an opportunity to express that we understand the food insecurity in the area of Martin, Weakley County specifically,” Blouin said.
“[It gives us a chance to give back to] something bigger than ourselves,” Blouin said.
Another organization partnering with the Hispanic Heritage Month canned food drive is Alpha Psi Lambda National, Incorporated. Alpha Psi Lambda Inc. is the nation’s largest and oldest Latin co-ed fraternity. The chapter at UT Martin, chartered and established in spring 2026, decided to partner with LHSA as another way to give back and celebrate the shared culture between the two organizations.
Alexis Hernandez, a junior meteorology major, serves as both the vice president of LHSA and as a member of Alpha Psi Lambda Inc. He explains that the organizations want to work together to provide food to families who are in need and those who are struggling.
“[It] reflects our culture nationally and gives us a voice… [it] gives my community a voice, especially during these times with the current admin,” Hernandez said.
Veronica Aldama, a junior nursing major and new member of LHSA, says that the organization is tailored towards giving back and supporting the community, regardless of background or challenge.
“[We’re a] Hispanic-centered organization, so we want to get our culture out there and get rid of the stereotypes and know that we’re here for the community,” Aldama said.
Students interested in volunteering or helping out with the canned food drive can visit the LHSA and Alpha Psi Lambda Inc. table in the Boling University Center. The drive will continue through the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, ending Oct. 15 and the list of dates for tabling can be found on Runway.
Students are asked to bring non-perishable, canned food items for donation.
