By Anaria Bair-Oates
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Camden County College on Nov. 28 hosted its fifth annual Giving Tuesday Fair to support the community and the college.
The event took place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Connector Building Atrium. It included two rows of tables where students could place donated items, a DJ playing music, a photo booth and a gift basket raffle. Friendship bracelets were also available for students to make. Students could win numerous prizes, including lunch with Camden County College President Lovell Pugh-Bassett and a Nintendo Switch.
Students received a raffle ticket for each item they donated.
Giving Tuesday, founded in 2012, is conducted around the world to help charitable organizations receive needed resources and to promote media awareness and activism for charitable causes. The event is often seen on social media as #GivingTuesday. In the United States, it occurs the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
At Camden County College, many got involved by donating clothes, shoes, children’s books and hygiene products. They also have the option to donate money.
It is a way for students to give back and create a culture of giving for clubs, honor societies and sports teams. Each of these organizations set up tables and collected for a cause, such as a community group, the college’s food pantry, fundraisers or club proceeds. It is a partnership between student activities and the foundation at Camden County College.
Andrea Poole, director of the Nursing Club, said, “Our donations of meal bars and protein bars go to Cathedral Kitchen, the largest food pantry in Camden, New Jersey, as well as our proceeds fund club projects. We are service based, which benefits all of Camden County.”
The primary beneficiary of Giving Tuesday was the student pantry at Camden County College. Other organizations that were being collected for this year included the Alzheimer’s Association, Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center and Home of the Brave Foundation.
Kelly Jackson, head coordinator of Giving Tuesday at the Camden County College Blackwood campus, said, “The idea behind this is to create a culture of giving. It is great that we are giving today but we want to establish the concept for students that no matter where they are in life, they always can give back. Not everything has to be brand new or costly. There are a variety of items to donate as well as a variety of ways to donate and give in the ways that they can. Some people donate blood and some people run 5K’s.”
Students in need at Camden County College can secure items through the college’s food pantry. It has a “no questions asked system,” Jackson stated. Students may to take a meal for the day or receive grocery items for home, whatever the need may be. Through the student services team, students may also access guidance, including help with mental health, transportation and childcare.