The Alpha Xi Tau Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) at Surry Community College recently delivered 89 pounds of food to Yokefellow Ministry of Greater Mount Airy, Inc., a food pantry that provides for the homeless and those suffering from food insecurity. The organization also provides assistance with prescription medicine and utility payments.
“When our chapter heard about this year’s regional service project to help feed the homeless, members immediately proposed we support Yokefellow,” said Surry Community College’s PTK Chapter Advisor, Dr. Kathleen D. Fowler. “One of our officers was homeless for a time as a child, and Yokefellow provided her and her family with food and assistance until they could get back on their feet. It was time to give back and help others.”
The local PTK chapter also helped to restock the college’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and supplies to anyone on campus or in the community needing assistance. The Little Free Pantry is a cabinet placed outside on the Dobson campus, in an accessible but discreet location near the library and tennis courts. It contains pre-packaged meals, canned goods, diapers, hygiene products, face masks, and other donated items.
The Little Free Pantry is a college ministry started by SCC PTK chapter’s former advisor, Kennette Thomas, who has since become a fully ordained minister specializing in service projects. Students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to take what they need from the pantry and donate what they can so others can be helped.
The PTK chapter at SCC also accepts monetary donations to help keep the Foster Kids Food Pantry stocked with kid-friendly foods at the local Department of Social Services.
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations. Learn more at ptk.org.
For more information about Phi Theta Kappa and their projects, contact PTK’s Faculty Advisor Dr. Kathleen Fowler at (336) 386-3560 or fowlerk@surry.edu or go to www.ptk.org. You can also follow the local chapter at on Facebook @surryPhiThetaKappa.
