UTM’s Sociology Club, Rotaract club and Skyhawk football team are joining forces to host a can drive during Homecoming week to raise money for We Care Ministries, Santa’s Helpers and the Carl Perkins Center.
The drive has collected over 2,000 cans food thus far during the event. The group’s goal is to obtain at least 30,000 pounds of food, about three times the amount donated last year.
Rotaract regularly hosts a can sculpture contest every year during Homecoming. This year, however, Sociology Club president Casey Dowty decided to use the contest as a fundraising opportunity.
“This was my first year as the Sociology Club president, and I wanted to do something big,” said Dowty. “I wanted to make a difference in our community, and I wanted people to know that our small club could do big things. …Thankfully, Dr. [George] Daniel and the Rotaract members were very supportive of my idea, and we are now partners in this effort.”
This year, students, faculty, staff and community members not participating in the sculpture contest may bring their canned goods to the entrance of Hardy-Graham Stadium prior to UTM’s Homecoming game this Saturday against Austin Peay. As added incentive, anyone who brings at least five cans of food will receive a coupon for a free milkshake from Chick-Fil-A.
In an effort to increase awareness for the project, Dowty sought support from the UT Martin Skyhawks football team.
“I wanted the football team to kick things off, because I thought this would be a good way to have them support and give back to their community, and in return receive equal support from the community at their game,” said Dowty.
In addition to reaching out to the football team, Dowty has contacted several media outlets and is planning to place information in the University Center as well.
In addition to the contest, the Sociology club as well as Rotaract will be hosting additional fundraisers on the day of Homecoming.
“I think we are going to continue to do this as a yearly event,” said Dowty. “We need all the support we can get to help our community organizations.”
