Northeastern Technical College (NETC) partnered with local farmers to distribute 1500 packages of market-fresh produce to NETC students and employees on April 30 and May 7 at all NETC campuses. NETC set up distribution stations in Pageland, Cheraw, Dillon, and Marlboro campuses, increasing accessibility for students in those areas. NETC also set up a distribution station at the future site of the McBee Campus.
NETC distributed packages on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each campus set up a drive-through distribution delivery system for recipients to pick up their package. Students and employees were required to present a picture ID to volunteers to receive the package. The Volunteers handling bags wore facemasks and gloves, observing social distancing guidelines recommended by the state. Student and public safety remain the priority of the NETC administration. Volunteers distributed the remaining packages to local community agencies and first responders.
Recipients were appreciative of the items they received in their packages. Many took to social media to express their gratitude. “Thank you for the blessing,” said George McDowell, a current NETC student. “It was really good. My family and I do thank NETC for everything,” he said online.
Sponsored by the Student Engagement Department, the market-fresh food distribution became a community service project for the entire college and a collaborative effort across many departments. The initiative is a part of the college’s broader strategic plan to lessen the economic hardships for students and their families as they incur expenses related to disruptions to their education due to COVID-19.
“The food distribution was a huge success made possible by the efforts of our community partners, Jacobs, McArthur, and McLeod farms,” said Patricia Dixon, NETC Student Life Coordinator. “Seeing the smiles of our students as they received their packages is a reminder that we can still help them find joy during this challenging time.”
If you would like to donate to help students receive similar services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may do so through the NETC Foundation with a tax-deductible donation. Contact Erin Fann, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement at efann@netc.edu.
