The Student-Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) at The University of Southern Mississippi are promoting several canned food drive opportunities in support of “Let’s SAAC Hunger” week that begins Monday through Nov. 23.

With the slogan “Give One, Help a Ton,” the annual food drive unites Conference USA institutions in a competition to fight hunger through a conference-wide community outreach. The winning C-USA institution will be determined by the weight of the canned goods donated and recognized in the spring by conference officials.

“Let’s SAAC Hunger” week is something thawt I am very passionate about,” said Lindsey Pellittieri, CCCE Advisory Council member. “This is such a great opportunity for Southern Miss to come together as a family and help those who face hunger in the Hattiesburg community.”

The week will include different activities and opportunities for the campus as well as the Hattiesburg community to aid in the fight against hunger. Southern Miss has consistently been at the top of the conference in this initiative.
“As a student- athlete, it is an honor and privilege to give back to such a wonderful community that has shown much support to my softball team,” said Shelbee Rogers, a Lady Eagles softball player. “Knowing that I and many others have impacted another person’s life is truly rewarding.”

Starting Monday and lasting through Friday, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to bring canned goods during regular business hours to the Center for Community and Civic Engagement. Their office is located in The Hub, Room 104. The local Corner Market grocery stores in Hattiesburg and Petal will also be accepting collections from 6-8 p.m. until Friday.

Tuesday, for fans that donate two canned food items, Southern Miss Athletics will grant free admission to the women’s basketball game. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and collections will be accepted at the North Entrance of Reed Green Coliseum.

Saturday, Southern Miss fans are encouraged to bring canned goods to both the home football game and the women’s basketball game. Collection for the football game against Middle Tennessee State will take place in front of each gate at The Rock from 1-3 p.m. and collection for the women’s basketball game against Florida Gulf Coast will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. at the North Entrance of Reed Green Coliseum.

Online donations will also be accepted. To make an online donation, visit www.yougivegoods.com/GiveOneHelpATon.

“Whether online or at a collection drive, if one person donates a can, it makes a difference for a family,” said Nadia Nixon, junior public relations major. “We want to help those are less fortunate in any way possible.”

For more information about this initiative, contact Dan Jacobs at 601.266.4502 or CCCE at 601.266.5074.