CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - The Austin Peay State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) announced Thursday more than $5,000 worth of food was collected during its food drive from Sept. 19-Oct. 3.
"I am ecstatic that our athletics program and teams were able to exceed our goal of 2,022 food items," Austin Peay SAAC President and senior volleyball player Kelsey Mead said. "I know that these donations will tremendously help our food pantry on campus and make a difference in many lives. I am so proud of everybody that contributed and participated in our food drive."
The Governors donated 3,399 non-perishable food items to the Save Our Students (S.O.S.) Food Pantry, which supports Austin Peay students through troubling times by helping fight hunger. The campus community supports and supplies the food pantry through donations. The food pantry supports students who have been impacted by financial problems as a result of unemployment (lay-offs and downsizing), divorce, disability, health, domestic violence, homelessness, disaster, and/or rising cost of living. In addition to non-perishable food items, the food pantry also supplies hygiene products such as toothpaste, toilet paper, razors, shaving cream, and feminine hygiene products.
"Our SAAC representatives worked hard on this initiative, and their dedication resulted in a successful food drive," Austin Peay Director of Student-Athlete Development and SAAC advisor Matthew Kilpatrick commented. "We want to thank our campus and community friends who participated. I am very proud of this group of leaders and their dedication to giving back to their community. They truly embody the Total Gov Concept."
Austin Peay's SAAC is composed of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The committee offers input on rules, regulations and policies that affect Governors' student-athletes, while participating in community service projects to promote a positive image of the athletic department while enhancing the student-athlete experience. The committee participates in projects such as "Read Across America," Plant the Campus Red and numerous can food, clothing and toy drives to support the community. In addition to these community projects, each year SAAC plans and executes events such as "SAAC Mental Health Week" and "Jock N' Roll", which brings together all Austin Peay teams to participate in a student-athlete talent show.
