The Rose Float Lab on the eastern edge of campus is hub of activity virtually year-round, but the pace quickens significantly in the final two months leading up to the Rose Parade.

Dozens of student volunteers swing into action ¿ fitting, welding, molding, painting and fine-tuning what will be the 64th consecutive Rose Parade entry for the Cal Poly Universities. Like their predecessors, they have the drive, creativity and teamwork to produce another award-winner, but they lack one key ingredient: a steady supply of meals to feed the 150 to 200 students who will descend on the lab in mid-December for Design Week, the final frenetic push before ¿To the Rescue¿ is slowly driven to Pasadena for decorating.

¿We¿re once again counting on supporters to help us with snacks, meals or ingredients such as pasta, rice and oatmeal,¿ says Kelsey Frasher, a hospitality management major who is coordinating the effort and doing most of the cooking. ¿Donors don¿t have to feed everyone. We really appreciate contributions of all sizes ¿ and we¿re certainly not picky. The only things we can¿t accept are fish and peanut butter.¿

Restaurants are often the biggest difference-makers, Frasher says, because they provide prepared meals that can feed an entire army of student volunteers.

¿It¿s such a huge boost when a restaurant helps out,¿ Frasher says. ¿They¿re definitely part of the team. When our float goes down Colorado Boulevard, the people who provided meals can say they helped put it there.¿

To support the student volunteers, email cuisine@rosefloat.org or call (909) 869-3936.

¿They¿re welcome to drop off food and supplies at the lab, but we¿ll be happy to pick up donations as well,¿ she says.

Some of the items that volunteers are seeking:

• Snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.)
• Pasta (spaghetti and fettuccini, ¿but we aren¿t picky,¿ Frasher says)
• White rice
• Frozen meats (without bones)
• Canned pasta sauce (cannot contain fish or peanuts)
• Canned or frozen vegetables
• Non-alcoholic drinks
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Spices
• Drink powders
• Cash donations are always appreciated

(Photo: Students decorate Seaside Amusement, the Cal Poy Universities' entry in the 2009 Rose Parade.)