Dobson, NC – This year the Surry volleyball team will hold a season long campaign collecting food for the Foothills Food Pantry.  The campaign named “Spike Out Hunger” will provide non-perishable food items to needy families within the community. “This is just another great way for our student-athletes to give back to the community,” stated Surry volleyball coach Jan Marion-Kiser.  “As soon as I mentioned the idea at practice, everyone was in full support of it.  Hopefully, we can assist some needy families in our area.”

While there is still no admission charge to any Surry home volleyball games, fans are encouraged to bring a food item or make a small donation to the Foothills Food Pantry upon game entry.  “This is a wonderful way for our fans to make a contribution to a great cause and an outstanding community outreach program for our volleyball team,” stated Surry athletic director Mark Tucker.  “The food supply is at a critical level in our area, and hopefully we can make a difference.” 

“We are greatly appreciative to the Surry Community College Athletic Department and all of their student-athletes,” stated Beverly Jones, Foothills Food Pantry coordinator.  “The student-athletes at Surry have always been willing to help us and give back to the community.  They have conducted food drives, packed boxes with canned goods, and even delivered food to needy families in our area.  This is just another wonderful gesture on their part.”

Surry finished last season as Region X Runners-Up with an overall record of 25-5.  The Lady Knights will open the 2011 season on September 1 by hosting Piedmont College at 6 pm. 

Dobson, NC- Members from the Surry Community College baseball and golf teams helped assist the Surry County Sheriff’s Department in organizing and delivering food to needy families in the area.  The student-athletes distributed more than 250 boxes in the community on Saturday under the direction of Surry County Sheriff, Graham Atkinson.  “We couldn’t have the success we do without the help from the Surry athletic teams,” stated Sheriff Atkinson.  “We really appreciate their assistance with this project.”  Starting at 8:00 am, over thirty student-athletes helped to unload boxes, sort food items, and deliver the food to individuals in the community.    “I think it shows our team members they are extremely fortunate, and sometimes we take simple things, like a good meal, for granted” stated Surry baseball coach, Jamie Lowe.  “This is our second year of assisting, and each year it gives us a great feeling to help those in need from our own community.”  Along with helping organize and deliver the food items, the Surry athletic teams also donated several hundred pounds of food collected during the past two weeks.  “We were able to collect several hundred pounds of food especially during the Dobson Christmas parade last weekend,” stated Surry golf coach, Tom Pendergraft.  “We appreciate all the donations we received during the parade, as well as on-campus.”  The project which began around eighteen years ago by the Surry County Sheriff’s Department has assisted numerous needy families in the area.  “We really want to thank everyone for their donation during our food drive, stated Surry athletic director, Mark Tucker.  “We received donations from our College President, Vice-Presidents, instructors, students, and individuals in the community.  I even had someone leave several bags of food in front of the gym the morning before the start of the Dobson Christmas parade.  Tucker added, “I truly appreciate all of our student-athletes, and coaches, along with Sheriff Atkinson and his staff for their help. Coach (Jamie) Lowe and Coach (Tom) Pendergraft were right in the middle of the assembly line helping to unpack food for the donation boxes.  It really is an incredible event for our student-athletes and coaches, and a great feeling to see the appreciation from needy families after receiving the food.”