Ten local organizations will receive 390 hams to share with families in need this holiday season as part of Fresno State’s fourth annual Helping Hams campaign.
Various organizations will pick up hams at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.) with assistance from Associated Students, Inc., the Fresno State Meats Lab and farm market student workers. At 4 p.m. Friday, 245 of the hams will be distributed to Fresno State students through the Student Cupboard.
The campaign ran Nov. 7 through Dec. 9 and raised more than $10,000, exceeding its goal of 230 hams. The largest contribution was a $3,500 donation from RCO Ag Credit, Inc., an agriculture finance company based in Fresno. The organization contributed the same amount last year and was also a primary supporter in 2013 and 2014.
“Supporting the Helping Hams campaign is a meaningful way to help feed hungry families during the holiday season,” said Mitchell Metzler, President and CEO of RCO Ag Credit, Inc. “We are proud to see the growing momentum of this campaign and are especially pleased with the support of Fresno State students and others in the community.”
Table Mountain Casino made the largest contribution toward the Student Cupboard, providing 150 hams. “Table Mountain is blessed to partner with Fresno State and the Helping Hams campaign in their efforts to feed students during the holidays,” said Rob Goslin, Table Mountain Casino president and general manager. “We would also like to acknowledge and thank Fresno State first lady Mary Castro for her dedication toward ensuring the Student Cupboard provides the necessary staples for Fresno State students.”
The largest student contribution was given this year by Fresno State Greek Life, which exceeded its goal thanks to a joint contribution of $550 by several fraternities and sororities.
Other campus-related organizations receiving hams are Bulldog Pantry, College Assistance Migrant Program, Student Support Services and Student Support Services Veterans.
Other local agencies include the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health Perinatal Wellness Program, Community Development Corporation, Building Neighborhood Capacity Program, Good Neighbor Center and The Way Ministries.
The organizations were selected by the Touch the Community Grant committee of Associated Students, Inc. based on their connections to Fresno State, client population served and overall need expressed in their application.
Each distributing organization has already identified families and projects that will receive hams.
The Gibson Farm Market has sold out of holiday hams, but customers can still purchase other holiday-themed products such as peppermint bark, peppermint almonds, apple cider almonds, cranberry pistachio bark and Bulldog gift baskets featuring Fresno State food products.
The Gibson Farm Market will maintain its normal hours through Friday, Dec. 23 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday). The market will be closed for the holidays from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1 and will resume normal hours on Monday, Jan. 2.
For more information about the campaign, contact Moses Menchaca, Associated Students, Inc. program and volunteer coordinator, at 559.278.2656 or mosesm@csufresno.edu. For more information on the Gibson Farm Market, contact 559.278.4511.
