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Record-Breaking Generosity: UJ's Trick-or-Can Collects 6,684 Items of Food for Local Families

Jamestown, ND (11/03/2025) — Thanks to the spirited teamwork of University of Jamestown students and the generosity of our community, this year's Trick-or-Can event set a record, collecting more than 6,000 non-perishable food items and raising over $500 in cash donations. This is the largest haul in the event's history.

On Sunday, student volunteers fanned across Jamestown, going door-to-door not for treats, but to gather food and funds for families in need. Trick-or-Can is organized by the Student Senate as both a campaign against local food insecurity and a bridge between campus and community.

"We had a wonderful turnout this year," said Student Senate President Margaux Kautzmann. "Our Community Outreach committee worked hard to get the message out and Jamestown provided! This event would not be possible without the students that participated. Not only is this a great way for our campus to connect to the community, but it is also our way of giving back to Jamestown."

Event Highlights:

  • 6,684 items of food donated (up from 5,953 in 2024)
  • Over $500 in cash donations (up from $300 last year)
  • 267 student participants (up from 244 last year)

Every can, box, and dollar collected goes directly to Community Action Region VI, helping our neighbors as the holiday season approaches.

UJ President Dr. Polly Peterson has always loved Trick-or-Can.

"This is a fun tradition of service, getting out into the community and helping others," Peterson said. "Thank you to our Jamestown community for opening their doors and their pantries to help others. We are so proud of everyone who participated and contributed."

UJ extends heartfelt thanks to every donor, volunteer, and household that made this year's event a success.

How to Continue Supporting Local Families: The need in our community continues year-round. Community Action Region VI Food Pantry welcomes donations Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Most needed items include non-perishable food, personal care items, baby and pet supplies, and cleaning products. Cash donations are also appreciated and help purchase essentials not otherwise donated. For more information, or to learn about current needs, contact Community Action Region VI Food Pantry at (701) 252-1821.

About University of Jamestown

University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the bachelor's level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master's degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, character in leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.

Media Attachments

University of Jamestown students deliver donated food and supplies for the Trick-or-Can event Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. The items were collected and organized for transport to Community Action Region VI's offices.

Madison Woody, a member of the University of Jamestown Student Senate, organizes donations for the Trick-or-Can event Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. Woody is a member of the senate's Community Outreach committee, which organized the event.

Joseph Forsberg, left, a member of the University of Jamestown Student Senate, organizes donations for the Trick-or-Can event Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. Forsberg is a member of the senate's Community Outreach committee, which organized the event. Senate member Ian Weis is also pictured.

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