'Canstruction' brings in thousands of canned goods for food pantry
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The shelves at the Helping Hands Food Pantry will be stocked full, thanks to a unique competition.
Thursday, nine teams filled the Mayborn Center, at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, with thousands of cans of food.
The food drive is part of the annual ‘Canstruction’ competition, where teams were given three hours to build a structure from canned goods.
For people like Brittney King, who came to watch from the sidelines, it was quite a sight.
"I can't believe all of the planning it must have took to plan it all out," she said. "Everything just comes together, and it actually looks like something."
Teams had different approaches in preparing for competition day. Some had drawn out their design, while others had cut out pieces of wood to help support their structure.
At the end of the competition, a panel of judges had the job of picking a favorite, and naming a winner in several categories. The structures were judged on things such as structural ingenuity, as well as the best use of can labels.
Last year, one of the structures created locally went on to win the international Juror's Favorite award.
Participants like Nicholas Hauger said it is not all about winning.
"It feels good that I have an opportunity to do something like this for people who are in need," he said.
According to organizer Rucker Preston, last year the event brought in 18,000 cans of food for the food pantry. This year that number is expected to go up to as many as 30,000 cans. This all comes at a time when the need at the food pantry has increased.
"We actually want to work ourselves out of business, so our goal is to actually educate people and help them get out of poverty where they don't need us anymore," Preston said "In spite of that the numbers are still going up."
All of the structures will be left up for display through Saturday. Those wanting to take a closer look can see works featured from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. While admission to the event is free, a donation of $1 or a non-perishable food item is welcome. Visitors will also have a chance to vote for their favorite exhibit.