POTSDAM -- Clarkson University physician assistant students collected hundreds of food items last weekend during a drive to benefit the food pantry and soup kitchen at Helping Hands of Potsdam.

"The food drive that Clarkson has done for us was the largest so far in the history of Helping Hands," said Tom Chappell, director of Helping Hands. "We anticipate that the food they collected for us will allow us to meet the needs of those using our pantry and soup kitchen for at least two months. We would like to express our gratitude for their extraordinary gift of time on behalf of the people that we serve."

The students, enrolled at Clarkson to become physician assistants, accepted donations from area residents at Walmart and the Potsdam IGA and delivered them to Helping Hands.

The count for canned goods alone was about 1,500 items with many more dry goods items, like cereal and macaroni, also being donated.

"Our students are very grateful for the outpouring of support from the community that made this effort a great success," said Physician Assistant Program Director Michael B. Whitehead. "Community service is a key part of the PA program’s mission."

Helping Hands of Potsdam provides compassionate assistance for those in emergency situations, including help with food, heat, utilities and furniture. The nonprofit agency also provides financial assistance with medical, dental and prescription costs as well as assistance with car repairs and donated used cars to working families through the Car Share Program.

Info: Helping Hands, 268-0633.