Women’s service organizations contribute hundreds of pounds of food and household necessities to FTCC food pantry
More than 60 members of two local African American women’s service organizations participated in a special drive-through “parade” at Fayetteville Technical Community College on Saturday so they could donate hundreds of pounds of food and household necessities to FTCC’s food pantry for needy students and their families. 
“Thank you for caring,” FTCC President Dr. Larry Keen told the members of the Fayetteville Chapter of The Links, Inc., and the Gamma Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
“What you’re doing will provide encouragement to students at times when they need it most,” Keen said. “What you’re doing here today is very important and perhaps far more important than you even think that it is. I’m so grateful to you all.”
Besides enough food and goods to fill several large pallets, the donors also contributed $1900 to help needy FTCC students. One financial donation by the Links was in memory of Lorraine Tillmon, whose granddaughter, Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, is national president of The Links, Inc., and whose daughter, Dr. Marye Jeffries, is a member of the Links and a former longtime member of FTCC’s Board of Trustees.
“We know how good it feels to give,” said Maria Adams, a Links member who helped organize the event with FTCC Foundation Executive Director Sandy Ammons.
“We hold service true and dear to our hearts,” said Cyshelle Williams-Graham, president of the local chapter of the Zetas. “Service is in all of our hearts.”
Male students from N.C. A&T volunteered their time, helping to unload the donations. 
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated need in the community and among students. FTCC opened its food pantry last fall to help students experiencing economic hardship.
The women were also able to mix fun into the event. Many wore colors emblematic of the two groups – green for the Links and blue for the Zetas. They honked horns and waved and cheered. But they never forgot why they were there.
“We want to help alleviate food insecurity in the community,” said Cindy White, president of the local Links chapter.
“You are helping people move forward,” Dr. Keen told the donors. “It is important and it is appreciated.”
