The Chautauqua Country Rural Ministry (CCRM), a United Way, grassroots advocacy agency that meets the needs of the homeless, working poor and disenfranchised in Chautauqua County was the recipient of a rather large donation this week.
Thanks to the efforts of students, faculty and staff on the SUNY Fredonia campus, more than 260 pounds of food were collected as part the fourth Operation Breakfast Rescue event which took place the week of March 5. The event is a Fredonia Volunteer and Community Services Program, which is a part of Campus Life.
"It's important to give back and assist others in need. This program continues to flourish," said Joyce Harvard Smith, Coordinator of Volunteer and Community Services.
Among the items collected were oatmeal, breakfast bars, pancake mixes, coffee, canned fruit, muffin/biscuit, assorted boxes of cereal, mixes as well as baby formula. Food items deposited in collection boxes located in all Residence Halls from March 5-9. Additional donations were made on Wednesday in room G-138 of the Williams Center from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Operation Breakfast Rescue is coordinated by Joyce Harvard Smith, Coordinator of Volunteer and Community Services with assistance from Martha Diaz, the university's AmeriCorps VISTA member along with the Delta Chi, TEC (Teacher Education Club), residence halls and individual student volunteers.
"It's an opportunity for the students and the campus community to improve the quality of life for residents in Chautauqua County," Diaz said of the event.
Rural Ministry Executive Director Kathleen Peterson remarked that she appreciates the efforts of the SUNY Fredonia student volunteers and the Office of Volunteer Services in the many ways they assist the community.
For more information about Volunteer Services go to: www.fredonia.edu/campuslife/volunteer
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