By Tyrone C. Richardson Jr.
CCC Journalism Program
Camden County College is helping the hungry by collecting food for the Food Bank of South Jersey.
The college’s annual food drive is taking place from Nov. 1 to Dec. 9. Collection bins are at the college’s Blackwood, Camden, Cherry Hill and Regional Emergency Training Center locations. Items that people place in the bins will be sent to the Food Bank of South Jersey.
The Pennsauken-based organization collects and provides food to needy people in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties, said Yarissa Reyes, director of strategic marketing and business development. The organization also conducts programs for children, senior citizens, families and diabetics, Reyes said. The organization also accepts monetary donations, with which Reyes said it can buy more food than if people bought it themselves. Every dollar donated can supply five meals, Reyes said.
The college encourages people to donate to the food drive through announcements on Facebook, posters and word of mouth.
The college holds the food drive close to the winter holidays each year to encourage members of the college community to give back to those in need, said Jacqueline Tenuto, assistant dean for student development and support.
She said this year’s collection has been a bit lower than average, noting more people may not have the resources to donate.
“They can’t give away what they don’t have to give,” she said. “Whatever we give is better than nothing, so I’m happy with whatever we give.”
Yarissa Reyes works at the Food Bank of South Jersey. By Tyrone C. Richardson Jr., CCC Journalism Program