RedHawk Athletics, the Office of Student Activities and the Student Government Association teamed up this month in an effort to develop an on-campus food pantry through a campus food drive and KanJam Tournament.

As part of the Philanthropy Week activities developed by University Advancement and External Affairs, the Office of Athletics designed a 40-team double-elimination KanJam Tournament during Philanthropy Week 2015 in the Savannah Center gymnasium. The entry fee to the tournament was just four canned food items per team, but our students went above and beyond that goal. The Gary campus community collected more than 900 canned food items through this campus event with more than 100 students donating items for the cause.

“We had an outstanding turnout and this event was a huge success,” said Executive Director of Athletics Kristofer Schnatz. “Our students donated more than we expected and they had a blast doing it. We plan to make this an annual event on campus for our students and our campus community."

Dustin Cantrell’s sociology class set the bar with a large number of donations just before the event. Cantrell is known for encouraging his students to get involved in campus initiatives and they rose to the occasion. Led by Student Government Vice President, Victoria Morales, the sociology class delivered the largest amount of donations by any group on campus.

“We cannot thank Dr. Cantrell and the students in his class enough” said Schnatz. “Their support will make a difference in so many lives throughout our campus."

The Student Government Association is currently in the process of developing the IU Northwest on-campus food pantry that will provide IU Northwest students and families access to the items collected through this event. The campus will continue to collect items through future events and on-campus food pantry donations.

For more information regarding the IU Northwest Food Pantry please contact the Student Government Association or the Office of Student Activities.