Texas A&M student-athletes fight hunger in the community
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M student-athletes continue to impact the campus and community through a service initiative that has been in place for more than two decades. It’s called AggiesCAN, and it’s the nation’s largest student-athlete canning competition. This year, it is planned to provide 50,000 meals to individuals and families.
AggiesCAN was founded in 2000 by a group of athletes who simply wanted to give back to the community. They set up their first can collection at a home football game, and the rest is history.
Donations go to the Brazos Valley Food Bank and The 12th Can, Texas A&M’s student pantry that supports students, faculty and staff.
“It’s very important for student-athletes to give back to the community that has given us so much,” said student-athlete Alexis Ortiz.
Ortiz, along with Julia Abel, are members of the Texas A&M Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which organizes the initiative. Abel said it’s wonderful to be a part of something bigger than herself.
“It’s not about people watching us play sports,” Abel said. “It’s about giving back to those in our community who may not know where they’re going to travel next time.”
The initiative runs until November 17, and you can give online here by texting AGGIESCAN to 83200 or in person by delivering a Brookshire Brothers canned food or buying a $10 brown bag of hope. The bags contain food, school supplies or toiletries for families in need.
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The Brown Bag of Hope initiative is not only held at Brookshire Brothers in College Station, but also in other areas of Texas. The stores distribute them to local schools, nonprofits and others in need in the community.
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“We are so blessed to be able to give back to our communities and the people who treat us so well,” said Brookshire Brothers Event Coordinator Molly Talbot.
Amanda Stark of the Brazos Valley Food Bank said donations are greatly needed during the holiday season. she said the food bank currently needs more protein and canned vegetables.
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“Anything you want on your holiday table should also be given to our neighbors in need,” Stark said.
You can drop off donations at the food bank Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Online help can be done here. You can also learn more about donating your time to the food bank here.
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