University hosts annual CANstruction canned food drive
On Friday, Oct. 3, the basketball courts outside of Lee Hall were host to the Department of Residence Life's annual CANstruction food drive, an event designed to help hungry local families while promoting a spirit of community among on-campus residents.
The food drive raised roughly 2,000 canned items for donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southwest Virginia.
Five teams, one from each residence hall area, competed in the CANstruction event, and were each given until 4 p.m. to build a structure out of the cans they collected for the food drive. Members of the 2008 Homecoming Committee judged the completed structures and awarded the Oak Lane community team first prize for a can structure in the shape of the state of Virginia.
Following the judging, student volunteers and members of the CANstruction teams helped to load the canned goods onto a box truck for transport to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Second Harvest, which helps sponsor the CANstruction event each year, provided the truck.
“CANstruction is important because it provides on-campus students with an opportunity to give a little back to those in need,” says Matt Grimes, assistant director of residence life for first year programs. “We are always looking for ways to introduce [the university’s motto] ‘Ut Prosim’ (That I May Serve) to our first-year students and encourage them to participate in programs or opportunities that allow them to reach out to those in need.”
Although joining a CANstruction team is limited to on-campus residents, outside donations and volunteer help are encouraged. Hokie F6 is designed to create strong foundations for new college students so they have the skills and information they need to succeed. In order to ease the transition current programs are melded with new activities. For more information on CANstruction, or other Hokie F6 events, visit the Hokie F6 website.
Student Programs is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. The Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech encompasses departments dedicated to providing a rich co-curricular experience and essential student services. Virtually every aspect of a student's life outside the classroom is represented through the division's departments.
Written by Chris Gustin.
