Food Drive Brings in Nearly 2,900 Pounds of Food for Area Agencies

Quick Facts

Twelve organizations brought in 2,861.6 pounds of people and pet food. In a friendly competition, the organization that brought in the most food, won a $1,000 check from Winthrop’s Board of Trustees.

The event was one of several campus events to honor President-elect Dr. Jayne Comstock, her husband, Larry Williamson, and their dog, dubbed the First Dog by students, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Cocoa.

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Student-Athlete Advisory Council members

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Student-athletes, Greek Life and other organizations at Winthrop University weathered a blustery afternoon on March 21 to participate in a food drive for area agencies.

Twelve organizations brought in 2,861.6 pounds of people and pet food. In a friendly competition, the organization that brought in the most food, won a $1,000 check from Winthrop’s Board of Trustees. The Student-Athlete Advisory Council group not only helped sponsor the event with the Board of Trustees and provided labor, but also won the money with 1,172.4 pounds raised.

Second place went to the Delta Pi Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma, 568.3 pounds, and third to Resident Students' Association, 463.6 pounds.

The event was one of several campus events to honor incoming president Dr. Jayne Comstock, her husband, Larry Williamson, and their dog, dubbed the First Dog by students, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Cocoa.

The human food went to Project Hope, while 1,491 pounds of dog and cat food went to the York County Council on Aging.

“Winthrop's wonderful donation of pet food will go a long way in ensuring that both our home-bound seniors and their pets receive adequate nutrition. Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who contributed," said Executive Director Wendy Duda of the York County Council on Aging.

She said the agency discovered a few years ago that a significant number of frail, home-bound seniors who receive home delivered lunches were sharing their meal with their pets. “For many of these seniors, their pets represent the only family they have, so they're more than pets-they're lifelines,” she said.

Event coordinator Kara Ostlund said she was impressed by the turnout from the student organizations for the event on the Campus Green.

“I was completely blown away by the dedication and commitment Winthrop’s student organizations have to helping local agencies," said Ostlund, a residential learning coordinator. "A big thank you goes to Winthrop’s Board of Trustees who not only provided a financial reward, but also attended the event, interacted with and served food to students. What a wonderful way for students to meet and welcome the incoming first family!”

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