CANTON -- SUNY Canton joined a SUNY-wide effort to assemble and distribute comfort kits for survivors of sexual assault and interpersonal violence.

Earlier this week Amanda D. Rowley, Title IX coordinator, Farren C. Lobdell, health educator and wellness coordinator, and Amanda L. Deckert, director of Greek life, helped students assemble 25 backpacks for children utilizing St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House services in Canton. Each bag contained coloring books, toys, toiletries, stuffed animals and snacks.

"We reached out to the campus community for donations, and we received much more than what we needed to fill the bags," Rowley said. "We gave the remainder of the toys and any cash we received to Renewal House to supplement the backpacks."

The college has a relationship with Renewal House, and holds fundraisers on campus, including Denim Day, a day in April when faculty and staff contribute donations for the privilege of wearing jeans to work.