The second annual Helping Hams campaign at Fresno State was launched Nov. 14 at the Gibson Farm Market when University President Joseph I. Castro made the first donations to purchase student-produced holiday hams for those in need during the holidays.
To participate, the community is invited to make donations in increments of $5 towards the purchase of hams that will later be distributed by organizations affiliated with Fresno State.
Donations can be made at the Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.) or by sending a check payable to Fresno State Farm Market to 2385 E. Barstow Ave., AG85, Fresno, CA 93740. All donations must be received by Dec. 11. A tax deduction receipt is available upon request.
Donations of $50 or greater will receive a commemorative magnet created by the Boys and Girls Club, which is partnering with Associated Students Inc. (while supplies last).
The Helping Hams campaign is coordinated by the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and its student-operated Gibson Farm Market and Associated Students Inc.
During Friday’s launch, Castro will announce this year’s goal of $5,250 and 175 hams the campaign seeks to donate this season. Last year the campaign raised $5,325 to donate 195 hams, nearly doubling the initial goal of $3,000.
He will be joined by Dr. Sandra Witte, Jordan College associate dean, and Sarena Silva, Associated Students Inc. senator for the Jordan College.
Originally known as the Give a Gobbler campaign, the movement began in collaboration with Zacky Farms in 2007 to garner donations for turkeys. However, due to a shortage of turkeys in 2013, the campaign transitioned from poultry to pork products.
Families wishing to receive a ham through the Fresno State Helping Hams Campaign may contact Ashley Rocker in the Associated Students, Inc. Office at 559.278.2656 or arocker@csufresno.edu.
The Gibson Farm Market is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, call 559.278.4511.
(Copy by Charmayne Hefley, a senior agricultural communications major.)
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