Incoming students give back to the community

Skidmore has always emphasized community service as part of the college experience, and this summer a group of incoming students is getting a jump start on the process of helping those in need. Forty-one students enrolled in the Opportunity Program's 2010 Summer Academic Institute volunteered on Saturday, July 10, to help out at the warehouse of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern N.Y. in nearby Latham, N.Y. 

The Regional Food Bank serves 23 counties in New York State by collecting large donations from the food industry and then distributing these donations to charitable agencies that serve those in need of food assistance.

The warehouse receives some 79,000 pounds of food a day, making volunteer efforts crucial to the successful distribution of the food. Since the number of groups volunteering at the food bank decreases during the summer months, the Summer Academic Institute students were excited to help during a period of need. Students assisted with repackaging donations on the warehouse dock and with sorting donations for easier distribution. By their shift's end, the students had repackaged over 5,000 pounds of meat and over 3,500 pounds of green beans.

Skidmore College's Opportunity Program (OP) is a nationally recognized program for disadvantaged and first-generation college students, known for its high graduation rates and the academic achievement of its participants.

Entering OP students attend a five-week Summer Academic Institute, taking classes and engaging in study across the curriculum. The summer program includes weekend activities designed to connect entering students with both the campus community and the surrounding communities. The volunteer work at the Regional Food Bank gave the students a chance to better understand the Capital District and to lend a helping hand.