The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kick off against Matt Schaub and the Houston Texans at one o'clock this coming Sunday, but with the help of their fans they can start racking up the "sacks" even before the first snap.
Prior to the Buccaneers' November 13 game against the Texas at Raymond James Stadium, the Glazer Family Foundation will join Raymond James Financial, Kraft Foods and Southern Ford Dealers to conduct the annual "Sack Hunger" collection drive in support of local food banks. Volunteers from Agape Food Bank, Feeding America Tampa Bay, Metropolitan Ministries and RCS Food Bank will accept donations at the yellow collection stations outside all gates and club entrances at Raymond James Stadium until the end of the first quarter.
Fans are encouraged to donate food items including:
- Canned meats
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned juices
- Canned soups
- Peanut Butter
Fans can end up as winners through Sunday's drive, too. Each person who donates an item at the gate will be entered into a drawing to take home an authentic team-signed item. A raffle will be held during the game, and the lucky winner will be announced during the third quarter.
More than 17 million households are unable to put food on the table at some point during the year, and one-third of those families have to limit the amount they are eating, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. In Florida, over 12 percent of households have to cut back on the quantity and quality of meals.
Prior to Sunday's game, designated Raymond James Financial locations and Southern Ford Dealerships will also be collecting items. To locate a drop off location near you, visit www.sackhunger.com. To learn more about the Buccaneers' fight against hunger and other community initiatives, visit www.buccaneers.com/community.
In addition to Sunday's "Sack Hunger" collection drive, fans will have one more game-day opportunity to help the Buccaneers give back to the community this season:
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Dec. 17 – Toy Drive
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will collect holiday gifts for underprivileged children in the Bay area at the annual Toys for Tots drive, this year held before the Bucs' Saturday evening game against the Dallas Cowboys. Over the past 53 years, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve has distributed more than 272,000,000 toys to 133,000,000 needy children throughout the nation.
