December 10, 2008

Fresno State students will sing to campus departments on Thursday, Dec. 11, in exchange for non-perishable food items. The program, ‘Caroling for Cans,’ is being organized through joint efforts of Associated Students, Inc., Student Activities and Leadership Development, and the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning.

Students will start caroling to campus departments at 1 p.m. to collect cans, food items, and cash donations to benefit the Bulldog Pantry. The Bulldog Pantry is a student run food pantry that serves the community surrounding Fresno State.

“Basically, what we’ll be doing is caroling to different campus offices who have invited us and collecting food items,” explained Alex Andreotti, one of the ASI organizers of the project. “We’ll also be accepting cash donations.”

In addition to donations, the Bulldog Pantry purchases food from the Community Food Bank for as little as six cents to the pound. “We can purchase eight cans from the Community Food Bank for the price of one at the supermarket, which helps donations stretch further,” said Jessica Medina, advisory for the Bulldog Pantry.

The concept of a food pantry in the surrounding area came from an extensive need for food in the community. The Bulldog Pantry opened its doors in November 2007 first serving approximately 20 families. To date, the Bulldog Pantry helps feed over 100 families.

Students interested in helping carol for cans will meet in USU 316 at 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 11 to organize into groups. They are asked to bring an empty backpack to help carry cans.

Campus departments interested in inviting students to carol for cans at their location must RSVP to Alex Andreotti at aandreotti@csufresno.edu. Cash donations will also be accepted. Checks should be made out to “The Bulldog Pantry.”

In addition to the Caroling for Cans, there will be drop-off locations available for non-perishable food donations. Locations include:

• University Student Union: ASI Office, Student Activities and Leadership Development, the Pavilion and the student lounge area.

• The Kennel Bookstore

• The Atrium (Residence Halls)

• The Student Recreation Center

• The Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning

• Joyal Administration (cashier’s window)

• Satellite Student Union (near snack bar)

• University High School

• Music Building

• Alumni House

• Food Sciences

• Craig School of Business

• Science II (inside study lounge)

• South Gym

More information about the Bulldog Pantry is available at http://bulldogpantry.wordpress.com/ or contact Jessica Medina at jwatkins@csufresno.edu