CU S.A.A.C. Spearheads Food Drive to Help Local Community Center

November 23, 2010
 
RICH SQUARE, NC - When Najah Harris, a member of the CU women's basketball team and officer in the Chowan University Student-Athlete Advisory, was asked to give her thoughts on delivering more than 500 pounds of canned goods to the Rich Square Creecy Training and Community Center, she couldn't get a word out. "I am just so moved right now, that I am feeling choked up." That was the sentiment across the board for the three S.A.A.C. members and their advisor ,Meredith Long, that helped to deliver canned goods and non-perishable items to a nearly empty pantry at the Community Center. By the time the every box and bag was unloaded, the shelves were nearly full. The Chowan University S.A.A.C. is involved in many community service projects throughout the year, but this particular project meant so much because of the timing with the holiday season growing near. (CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTO GALLERY FROM TODAY'S DELIVERY)

L-R: Thomas Bird, Najah Harris, Elder Jackie Grant, Mark Brown

Each athletic team on campus was asked to collect food for the Community Center two weeks ago in a bi-monthly S.A.A.C. meeting. Nearly all of Chowan's 12 teams, including the Sapphires Cheer squad, helped to fill the shelves so that the directors of the Community Center could feed hungry families in the area.

The newly opened Rich Square Creecy Training and Community Center is focused on developing citizens, both young and old, in the community through various outreach and in service programs. The food collected from the drive will help to feed the eldery in the community while also ensuring that children in their youth programs are guaranteed a hot meal while at the center.

"We feel so blessed to have these young men and women get involved with the center," stated Jackie Grant. Grant serves as the Center's Youth Minister and Director/Coordinator. "Children don't care what you think until you show them that you care. But when they know you care, they can move mountains. That is why we are here. And that is why we are happy to have the athletes from Chowan involved."

Mark Brown, a member of the CU men's basketball team and first year member of S.A.A.C., was also very touched by today's experience. "I am anxious to help more, however I can. I don't want to see an entire generation of children get lost. I want to do what I can to see that doesn't happen."

Brown listened intently as Grant explained the purpose and mission of the Center to the S.A.AC. She explained the importance of community intervention to ensure that everyone has a chance to succeed in life.

CU S.A.A.C. President Thomas Bird was surprised at how so little effort on the athlete's part, can turn into so much for others. "Our teams collected the goods and we delivered them. It was very little effort on our part, but to see how much it meant was awesome."

"This was a combined effort by some very dedicated student-athletes at Chowan," said Meredith Long, Deputy Athletics Director and S.A.A.C. advisor. "This was a truly moving experience that exposed us all to some altruistic action, which benefits everyone and helps us grow as people. I look forward to growing = our relationship with the Rich Square Creecy Community Center in the future. It's a win-win for everyone involved."

"This is why we are in college athletics," said Dennis Helsel, CU's Director of Athletics. "Our student-athletes identified a need and met that need. I couldn't be more proud."

The Chowan University S.A.A.C. is active year round in the local community. It is comprised of student-athletes from each of Chowan's 12 athletic teams.They meet twice or more per month to discuss issues related to athletics as as offer solutions and actions for community and campus involvement. They are active on the conference (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) and national (NCAA) levels.

For more information on community events that the athletics department can aid in, please contact Meredith Long at longm@chowan.edu or by calling (252) 398-6468.