Matt Weir / Collegian File Photo
The Bulldog Pantry will hold a Will Walk for Food drive to help raise funds for food that is purchased each week to help those in need.
Will Walk for Food will take place this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at O’Neil Park.
This event will feature a non-competitive two-mile walk or five-mile run around the Fresno State campus, a barbecue, raffle and prizes, along with entertainment from HR7.
Fresno State student volunteers from the Bulldog Pantry met over the summer and gathered up some ideas to help raise money for the organization. The Will Walk for Food evolved from an idea to an event by the leadership team at Bulldog Pantry.
To participate in Will Walk for Food, a pre-registration with a minimum $20 pledge is requested.
Prizes will be given to individuals and teams that raise the most pledges. There will also be prizes for the best dressed and best theme team.
One of the leadership team members who helped with the planning process, Taofiki Gafar, states Will Walk for Food helps Bulldog Pantry raise funds to be able to keep the organization running and gets more people involved raises awareness.
“We thought of ways to get people to take part with Bulldog Pantry and help fundraiser,” Gafar said, “Bulldog Pantry needs to exist in the Fresno area.”
Bulldog Pantry is an aid to help people and families who may need the extra help or even students who are struggling for cash after paying necessary school expenses.
Bulldog Pantry is located at the corner of Shaw and Jackson Avenues. The pantry gives free groceries, one to two bags, to students and families in need.
“The food is purchased from the food bank, and about $400 for food a week is needed,” Jessica Medina, the volunteer coordinator at Bulldog Pantry, said.
Bulldog Pantry reopened its doors to 125 families on Sept. 3, 2011. The Bulldog Pantry packs food on Friday afternoons and distributes the food the following morning.
Melissa Watkins, who was also part of the leadership team, states Will Walk for Food will help keep doors open at Bulldog Pantry.
“What we can get in, even a single dollar, counts,” Watkins said.
About 175 to 200 students and families are at Bulldog Pantry to collect groceries that can help them get through the week.
Those unable to attend the event can sponsor an individual or a team. Donations can be dropped off at Bulldog Pantry during business hours.
The leadership team’s goal for Will Walk for Food is for everyone to have a good time. While planning this event, the leadership team kept in mind ways to get the name of Bulldog Pantry out there and make it a fun experience.
“I encourage people to go out and have fun,” Medina said.
For more information on Will Walk for Food or learn more about the pantry visit its website to find contact information and other ways of getting involved.