DOBSON — Members of the Surry Community College baseball team recently helped the Surry County Sheriff’s Office in organizing and delivering food for needy families in the area. The student athletes distributed more than 300 boxes in the community on Dec. 8 under the direction of Surry County Sheriff Graham Atkinson.

“We couldn’t have the success we do without the help from the Surry athletic teams,” said Sheriff Atkinson. “We really appreciate their assistance with this project.”

About 35 baseball team members and coaches started at 8 a.m. helping to unload boxes, sort food items, and deliver the food to individuals in the community.

“I think it shows our team members that they are extremely fortunate, and sometimes we take simple things, like a good meal, for granted,” said Surry baseball Coach Jamie Lowe. “This is our fifth year to assist with the effort and each year it gives us a great feeling to help those in need from our own community.”

The Surry County Sheriff’s Office began the project around 20 years ago.

“I truly appreciate the opportunity for our student-athletes, and coaches, to work with Sheriff Atkinson and his staff,” said Surry Athletic Director Mark Tucker. “Coach (Jamie) Lowe and all of his players were right in the middle of the assembly line helping pack food for the donation boxes. They all went out in the community and made deliveries to needy families. It really is an incredible event for our student-athletes and coaches, and a great feeling to see the appreciation from needy families after receiving the food.”

According to Lowe, plans already have been made for next year and beyond.

“Sheriff Atkinson asked me to partner with them again next year,” added Lowe. “I told him we would be there.”

The Knights are scheduled to open the 2013 season on Feb. 9 at Spartanburg-Methodist College in Spartanburg, S.C. Surry’s home opener is scheduled for Feb. 23 against College of the Albemarle.