The athletic department’s annual canned food drive is returning this year, with a focus on wider campus outreach.
The drive benefits Skyline Urban Ministry, a United Methodist charity. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 8.
OCU’s 21 athletic organizations compete to bring in the highest number of donations.
The softball team won for most pounds of food donated last year.
The annual food drive began six years ago when a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee brought forward the need for assistance at Skyline. The committee banded together with the athletic department staff to organize an annual food drive.
The athletic department spread its message campus wide this year, advertising the food drive with posters, donation boxes and word-of-mouth. The department donated more than 10,000 pounds of canned food to the organization last year. They hope to increase that number this year.
Athletic Director Jim Abbott said partnerships across the school will make the drive even more successful.
“We discussed this event in meetings with all of our teams, and really encouraged them to be passionate about it,” Abbott said. “We asked them to reach out across the school, and they’ve been very active with that.”
Many teams are using innovative methods for gaining more donations.
The softball team, for example, invited fans to donate at the admission gate of their last game.
The athletic department also met with the College of Arts and Sciences at a faculty meeting, where they planned to place donation boxes in several buildings on campus.
For students and faculty interested in donating, a large donation box will be located in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center throughout the month of November.
Abbott also encouraged students and faculty to get involved in any way they can.
“Pick a few items out from your pantry, bring them to work or school, and we’ll come pick them up for you,” Abbott said. “Our athletes are very enthusiastic about this cause, and we want to get the campus excited, too.”
The athletic department will continue to drop off donations at Skyline Urban Ministries personally, ensuring a rolling supply of food. While the drive occurs around the holiday season, Abbott said the need for food in Oklahoma City is constant.
“There are people who wake up and don’t know if they’re going to be able to eat,” Abbott said. “People are hungry all year round, and Skyline helps with that need.”
Brianna Rahall, exercise science senior and a member of the women’s wrestling team, is excited to bring more awareness to the drive this year.
“The food drive is really a big deal to all the teams,” Rahall said. “Part of that is that we’re all athletes. We’re competitive and want to bring in the most cans.
“But it’s also a great way to get involved in the community during the holiday season.”
For more info on how to donate, email Abbott at jabbott@okcu.edu.
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