FTCC Athletics made a donation to the college’s food pantry to celebrate the NJCAA’s Day of Gratitude on Dec. 1, 2020. [FTCC photo by Jaclyn Shambaugh]
Students wishing to utilize FTCC’s food pantry should email foodpantry@faytechcc.edu
FAYETTEVILLE — FTCC Athletics celebrated the NJCAA’s Day of Gratitude on Tuesday with a donation to Fayetteville Technical Community College’s food pantry.
Athletes and coaches from across the program’s five sports filled two large wire bins Tuesday with nonperishable food, paper goods and personal care items.
Athletic director Dr. Shannon M. Yates said the Trojans were delighted to participate in the charitable campaign.
“FTCC Athletics is extremely excited to be a part of the NJCAA’s Day of Gratitude,” Yates said. “I think it’s very important for student-athletes to be champions in the classroom, in competition and in the community, and giving back to the food pantry, which benefits students on our own campus, is a great way to do that.
“I thank our coaches, student-athletes and our administration for their commitment to making this donation possible.”
Women’s basketball player Troy Shaw said the donation was particularly valuable while people continue to be affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s important to give back and help those who are in need, when we can, especially during this time in a pandemic,” the freshman said.
Donte Johnson, sophomore with the men’s basketball team, said the Trojans have performed other acts of community service, including volunteering to direct traffic at a church, in addition to gathering goods to donate to the food pantry.
“It feels good to be able to give to people in need who don’t have it right now,” Johnson said. “This is a good experience for everybody.”
The NJCAA’s Day of Gratitude initiative aligned with Giving Tuesday, a nationally recognized day of charitable giving. In addition to the food pantry donation, athletes shared messages of gratitude.
The food pantry is a recent addition to the FTCC campus, opening Nov. 17 to assist students living with food insecurity.
The pantry shelves are stocked with items donated by FTCC employees and students, local supermarkets and businesses, civic groups and members of the community.
Cash gifts or gift cards for the food pantry can be donated through the FTCC Foundation, located in Room 114 of the Harry F. Shaw Virtual College Center at 225 Hull Road.
Nonperishable food and personal care items can be donated to the food pantry by dropping them off weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at FTCC’s Property Control Office at 248 Hull Road.
