Govs Give Back helps to feed local families
The APSU community flexed its muscles Dec. 4 when more than 80 volunteers gathered
to supply holiday groceries to the Lincoln Homes Community 鈥 a section of low-income
housing adjacent to APSU鈥檚 main campus 鈥 as part of the Govs Give Back. The APSU community flexed its muscles Dec. 4 when more than 80 volunteers gathered
to supply holiday groceries to the Lincoln Homes Community 鈥 a section of low-income
housing adjacent to APSU鈥檚 main campus 鈥 as part of the Govs Give Back.
The second-year project, spearheaded by the APSU Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
included volunteers from many Governors and Lady Govs sports teams through the Student
Athlete Advisory Council, as well as the Baptist Student Ministry, the Church of Christ
Student Ministry, UCHURCH and AQUA.
鈥淚鈥檓 a firm believer in the importance of giving back to those in need,鈥 said APSU鈥檚
local FCA representative Andrea Mangrum. 鈥淚t was an honor to have the opportunity
to do that with the APSU family this weekend.鈥
As many involved at APSU understand, the idea of family is fundamental to the success
of its students and student-athletes alike. During the inaugural 鈥淕ovs Give Back鈥
event, the group fed 12 families. For those involved, that was only a small portion
of what was needed.
This year, 鈥淕ovs Give Back鈥 teamed up with the Manna Caf茅 and were able to feed more
than 200 families within the Lincoln Homes Community.
How did it happen? Volunteers and community members united to raise money, beginning
in late September. APSU鈥檚 SAAC and FCA collected at Govs and Lady Govs athletics events,
while the campus ministries worked within their organizations along with local business
partners who serve on the FCA board. In all, the groups raised $2,690.
On Dec. 4, the feeling of community was never stronger. Volunteers began at 10 a.m.,
boxing food and loading trucks at the Manna Caf茅 warehouse. At 1:45 p.m., the trucks
hit the road loaded with food boxes while volunteers battled the rain, going door-to-door
for distribution.
鈥淭he athletes, students and volunteers represented what Austin Peay is all about,
Sunday,鈥 Mangrum said. 鈥淭hey sacrificed their time and efforts to make sure families
in our community had food on the table this Christmas season.鈥
If one thing exists that makes APSU unique, it鈥檚 the ability to overcome obstacles
in order to meet a need. There鈥檚 a makeup of determination and drive that brings any
goal within reach; and it鈥檚 best known as Peay Pride. - Alaric Klinghard, APSU Sports Information