[View ALL News Press Releases] Throughout the year, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College students, faculty and staff contribute their time, talents and money to helping needy people and causes in their communities. At no time is this more evident than during the holidays, when ECTC individuals and organizations rally to meet the many needs of those less fortunate.

During the current economic downturn, when even more people are in need and fewer resources are available for the holidays, the college rose to the challenge. The Annual Faculty/Staff Variety Show, which showcases talent but is mostly an opportunity for fun and fellowship, is also an annual fundraiser for Helping Hand. This year the Variety Show was dedicated to the memory of Martie Fulkerson, a beloved faculty member who recently passed away. Professor Jean Dudgeon, who coordinates the annual event, said, "This year we are very pleased to be able to donate more than $600 to Helping Hand, a record amount. Faculty, staff, students and others were extremely generous this year."

SkillsUSA, a student organization in which Fulkerson was involved, donated $100 to the cause. The ECTC Choristers raised money during their Fall Variety Show and donated an additional $40 to Helping Hand and $40 to the Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen.

The Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen was also the recipient of six large boxes of canned goods and other food and monetary donations given by faculty and staff during their annual holiday party.

Student organizations spearheaded several other projects to support worthy causes. Phi Theta Kappa, PTK, the student honor society, works with G.C. Burkhead Elementary School's Family Resource Center by sponsoring an Angel Tree for up to 30 underprivileged children. PTK collects the gifts which are returned to the school for distribution to the children. In addition, in conjunction with other Kentucky PTK Chapters, the students signed and sent greeting cards to nearly 290 injured soldiers in Fort Knox's Warrior Transition Unit, and sent care packages to soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan. This is the second year that the chapter has worked with the unit, which supports soldiers wounded in combat.

The Phoenix Club, a student organization dedicated to expanding awareness of domestic violence, made its third annual visit to SpringHaven Domestic Violence Shelter to share gifts and provide moral support and encouragement. Members of the Phoenix Club help shelter residents learn of opportunities in the community for growth and self-sufficiency.

The local chapter of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges conducted a sweater drive for Helping Hand, collecting new and gently used sweaters. Last year the organization conducted a coat drive and collected more than 50 coats for Helping Hand.

An emerging student organization, the Green Club, joined other colleges and universities around the country in collecting old blue jeans, which will be recycled into natural cotton fiber insulation for use in Habitat for Humanity houses. In addition to filling a need for local housing, Habitat for Humanity is building many homes in areas damaged by hurricanes.

People aren't the only beneficiaries of ECTC generosity. About 25 members of the ECTC community gave their time to help the Humane Society raise money during their annual Picture Your Pet with Santa campaign at Feeder Supply in Elizabethtown. From playing the role of pet-loving Santa to printing pictures and posing pets, the ECTC volunteers spent two weekends raising money to help creatures unable to help themselves.

In addition to projects led by organizations, many individuals found ways to reach out to those less fortunate. Several staff members in the student affairs, financial aid, and business offices regularly volunteer in the Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen, while others serve organizations like Toys for Tots and work on special holiday projects for churches and other civic organizations.

There are countless ways in which the ECTC family gives back to the communities in which we live, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. College teams support Repair Affair and fund-raising efforts for various worthy causes including the Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hospice, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Multiple Sclerosis, Special Olympics, United Way and more. Individuals support schools, churches, PTAs, athletics, arts, music, history, community development and civic involvement.

As ECTC continues to grow, it appreciates the support of its communities and is committed to extending a generous hand to help benefit those communities whenever possible.