(December 12, 2018) – Eight local organizations received 250 hams to share with families in need this holiday season as part of Fresno State’s sixth annual Helping Hams campaign.

The organizations picked up hams at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.) with assistance from Associated Students, Inc.

The campaign ran Nov. 15 through Dec. 6 and raised $7,505, reaching its goal of $7,500 to purchase 250 hams.

The largest contribution was a $3,500 donation from RCO Ag Credit, Inc., an agriculture finance company based in Fresno. The organization contributed the same amount in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The organization has been the primary supporter the past five years.

“We want to thank RCO Ag Credit for their generous contribution and also the campus community for their unwavering support,” said ASI President Demi Wack. “We are proud to feed students and families this holiday season.”

Campus-related organizations receiving hams include the Student Cupboard and the TRiO Student Support Services and Student Support Services Veterans Program.

Other local agencies included in Friday’s pick up included Saint’s Rest Community Economic Development Corporation, Fresno County Perinatal Wellness Center, St. Paul Catholic Newman Center, Wesley United Methodist Church and Poverello House.

The organizations were selected by an Associated Students, Inc. ad hoc committee based on their connections to Fresno State, client population served and overall need expressed in their applications.

The Gibson Farm Market is still selling holiday hams along with Fresno State holiday baskets and winter-themed products such as peppermint and mint almonds and bark, pretzels and ice cream.

The Gibson Farm Market will maintain its normal hours through Sunday, Dec. 23 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays). The market will be closed for the holidays from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1 and will resume normal hours on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

For more information about the campaign, contact Gina De Young, Associated Students, Inc. programs coordinator, at 559.278.6171 or gdey377@mail.fresnostate.edu. For more information on the Gibson Farm Market, contact 559.278.4511.

(Story by Yesenia Candelaria, communications coordinator for Associated Students, Inc.)