SU lends helping hands

Anyone that knows SU Director of Football Operations Fernandez Griffin knows he’s relatively outspoken, and almost never short of words.
But this time of year, Griffin is known for doing an about face, transforming into the man that—along with the help of SU students and officials—has given back to the community during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays for 16 years.
Why?
“It’s just a joy to give back on that day,” Griffin said. “When I worked at Winston Salem State we tried to bring the community together by doing Thanksgiving food drives and Christmas drives. When we got down here, we did the same thing.”
Yes, Griffin enjoys spreading holiday cheer, but this story isn’t about him.
Instead, it’s about the collective efforts put forth by all participants to give back to the community during the holiday season.
“It’s a good project for everybody to take part in,” Griffin said. “It’s not about a single individual. It’s about the university giving back to the community. We’re just grateful everybody chips in. That’s all you can ask for.”
How did all this start?
“It all got started my first year here when I got three people’s names that were needy, the next thing I knew it took off from there,” Griffin said.
Coupled with Griffin’s drive and the help of everyone on campus, the university’s annual food drive has consistently increased in numbers each year.
In its first year, the food drive fed three families. Last year it fed 278 families. This Thanksgiving, the goal is to feed 300 families.
“We started off a number of years ago with less than five and last year they were close to 300,” SU head coach Pete Richardson said. “The players get excited about it and a number of people on campus make major contributions to it.
“It helps the families, especially in the immediate community.”
Added Griffin, “If you’re hungry, our objective is to give you some food. That’s how it’s always been.”
Players also assist in the food drive each year, often helping load cars or delivering baskets personally.
As a result of how far the program has gone, NBC will air a clip of the food drive during this year’s Bayou Classic.
“What really stands out most is that the students get involved,” Griffin said. “Through Service Learning, the students have become the pillar of this project. All I do is put it together, I couldn’t do it without their support.”
Griffin said the program has already secured 300 pounds of meat and is still accepting canned goods and nonperishable food items.
Food items can be dropped off at Harris Hall to Kristan Gordon in Service Learning, at Jesse Owens Hall to Griffin, to Howard White at Top Choice Products, Ron Smith at Southern Teachers and Parents Credit Union, Ronald Dickerson at Plank Road Cleaners and Henry Baptiste at Chicken Shack.
Students and faculty are also welcomed to help assemble baskets at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25 in Stewart Hall Auditorium.
“I don’t look for any credit, I don’t need it,” Griffin said. “To see the students pitch in and take their time to make this project successful is credit enough.”
Food can be picked up in Stewart Hall Auditorium Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. Griffin is urging families to arrive promptly as food is distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.