There is a long and storied history of giving back to the local community and campus at SUNY Canton. These two examples of community service and the giving spirit from earlier in 2021 are wonderful additions to that history.
When the campus opened the doors on its food pantry nearly 20 years ago, it began as a volunteer-driven, donation-reliant endeavor to provide food and supplies to our students. Since those early days, it has grown tremendously and developed relationships with generous donors such as the Renzi Foodservice Charitable Foundation of Watertown who have helped to fill shelves with much needed food and supplies. The campus, through various offices and organizations, comes together several times a year to provide generous donations of canned goods, non-perishable food, toiletries, and other basic necessities that are then given, at no cost, directly to SUNY Canton students. For example, a food drive hosted by the local chapter of the United University Professions (UUP) union was hosted earlier this year and it brought in $700 of non-perishable food and necessities.
Additionally, this year the SUNY Canton men’s lacrosse team had the tremendous opportunity to host the Mountain Wound Warriors (similar to Wounded Warriors Sled Hockey) out of nearby Fort Drum at the local village arena. The team collaborated with the Warriors to share skill development and to engage in friendly competition. At the end of the day, players were able to experience playing lacrosse in a wheelchair and play a game versus the Warriors on the ice.
The spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism shared by students, faculty, and staff continues to be strong at SUNY Canton.
