Fresno State’s Helping Hams campaign raised $5,300 for the purchase of about 195 hams — nearly double the original goal — that will help feed those in need this holiday season.
The hams will be disbursed to eight organizations beginning at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, by Fresno State students in front of the Rue and Gibson Farm Market.
The recipient organizations are the Bulldog Pantry, Community Food Bank, Poverello House, El Dorado Park Community, Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health’s Perinatal Program, Made For Them and Fresno State’s College Assistance Migrant Program and Women’s Resource Center Partners-in-Art Program.
Launched Nov. 25 by Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro and student body president Moses Menchaca, the campaign was bolstered by two major donations the first day: $2,000 from RCO Ag Credit and $1,000 from Patrick McKinney, facilities coordinator in the University Courtyard residence halls on campus, on behalf of University Courtyard employees and residents.
“We thank everyone for their support and dedication to this campaign,” said Moses Menchaca, president of Associated Students, Inc., a co-sponsor of the campaign with the Gibson Farm Market and the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
“Whether it was from major donors, offices on campus that took a collection for a ham or two, farm market customers or students who pitched in a couple of bucks — every single bit helped and shows how caring Fresno State and its supporters are,” Menchaca said.
For more information, contact Ashleigh Rocker, ASI programs and volunteer coordinator, at 559.278.2656 or Nina Palomino, Gibson Farm Market manager, at 559.278.4511.
University Communications news intern Ashlie Day contributed to this report. Original press release.
