"Cans Across Campus" To Help The Fight Against Hunger

Texas A&M International University's Future Fitness and Sports Teachers (FFAST), the Texas Center for Boarder Economics and Enterprise Development and the Laredo Regional Food Bank are sponsoring a food drive called "Cans Across Campus" in October.

Shelly Peacock, A&M International instructor and sponsor of FFAST, explained that the goal is to create a trail of cans and non-perishable goods from the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library to the Kinesiology Convocation Building by October 31.

"This is a fun way to get everyone involved in the process. And what a great place to end this for PE teachers! We hope to gather some 600 linear feet of food for the Food Bank. That's between 2,500 to 3,000 cans," said Peacock.

She said that new markers will be placed on campus every day to show the progress of the food drive, and trophies will be given away to those who donate the most. As of October 16, the trail was at the halfway point. The award ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on the University Green, Oct. 31.

"We will be giving away trophies in three categories for those who donate the most food and items: college or administrative department, student organization, and business or church. We're asking people to please place a piece of tape on the items or mark a sack with the organization that you are representing so we can have an accurate count."

Peacock said the idea was to do something that would have an impact on people and would be easy at the same time. With Christmas and Thanksgiving coming up, and the nation's attention on New York and Washington, D.C., Peacock thought it would be a good idea to do help the less fortunate here in Laredo.

"The food bank is almost empty and they're having a hard time getting food. Anyone can go to the grocery store and pick up five extra things. This is something really easy that has an impact. Almost everyone has extra things in their pantry -- how easy is that?" said Peacock.

Peacock said that in addition to food stuffs, personal items and baby supplies are also greatly appreciated.

"Anything you would use for daily living such as deodorant, shampoo, bars of soap, and diapers will be appreciated. Shampoo is only 50 cents at some discount stores. It doesn't have to be expensive stuff," she said.

Drop-off barrels will be placed inside the library, and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday this month, FFAST members will be on the campus green collecting items.

For more information, please contact Peacock at 326.2672, visit offices in the Kinesiology Convocation Building, room 114, or email speacock@tamiu.edu. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu