A series of initiatives spearheaded by the students at SUNY Cobleskill was able to gather $2,000 for the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York. The contribution, presented by student-representatives, is a sum generated by a series of events that include personal care, food, and money drives throughout the Spring 2019 Semester. The Regional Foodbank is able to purchase one pound of food for $0.16, making the $2004.85 total presented Tuesday sufficient for the Foodbank to purchase 12,530 lbs. of food.
“SUNY Cobleskill aims to create positive change in our region through many initiatives and approaches,” says College President Marion A. Terenzio. “Giving back to those who are close to home is one of the most-impactful ways in which we can do so. The countless, tireless efforts of members of our campus community make this possible; we are grateful for the chance to commend their work, and its impact.”
This winter, “Penny Wars” pitted campus residence halls against one another, to see whose residents could collect the highest dollar amount – in coin currency only. Members of the campus community and public who attended Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service on the first day of the Spring Semester boxed nonperishable goods, and performed volunteer service at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church food pantry.
Beyond financial contributions, students, faculty, and staff members regularly volunteer in Cobleskill-area food pantries. Student clubs purchase gifts for area families in need each December, and members of SUNY Cobleskill Greek Life make monthly trips to Saturday’s Bread in Oneonta, a hot meal program. Members of campus honor societies also organize their own recurring initiatives. SUNY Cobleskill Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Scott Ferguson says individual student groups, such as Fighting Tiger student-athletes, who helped collect, sort, and box goods on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, and members of the residential life and residence hall communities, are among those who helped rally campus in support of service this year.
Across SUNY, students, faculty and administration alike are coming together to in the spirit of charity and togetherness. 30 Days of Giving is our annual tradition, which starts on Thanksgiving every year, where we reflect on efforts of the past year and highlight some of the selfless acts of that members of the SUNY community are leading. Stay tuned for more.
