By Asia Johnson
The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) community and its supporters gathered Nov. 24, to put its famous mantra “The College of Love and Charity” into action.
Volunteers representing various community groups and University stakeholders convened at Jake Gaither Gymnasium for the University’s annual Turkey Drive to help prepare boxes, that included turkeys and other holiday fixings for families in need. The event was co-sponsored by the FAMU Department of Psychology and the Undergraduate Student Success Center.
Through the event, organizers planned to deliver 300 Thanksgiving baskets to those who otherwise would not have the means to celebrate the holiday. This year’s drive was dedicated to emergency responders and those who have fallen in the line of duty in the Leon County area.
Raymond E. Bellamy, academic advisor and instructor at the Undergraduate Student Success Center at FAMU has coordinated the drive at FAMU for the past 10 years. Bellamy, the son of illiterate migrant workers, has a personal affinity towards giving back.
“Growing up poor, I would go to school and other kids would have food and I wouldn’t. Sometimes our situation was so bad, I would go to school without shoes,” Bellamy said. “The price of living is to give back as you go through life. We as a community have to commit to helping,” he added.
Bellamy’s Turkey Drive is just one example of how the FAMU community is spreading the spirit of giving across the campus and around the community. On Monday, Nov. 23, FAMU students in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities hosted Project 128. Students collected 128 baskets to commemorate each year of the University’s existence and its continued commitment to empowering citizens and communities. The gift baskets included one turkey and nonperishable items to assist with meal preparation for families in need.