Volunteers from LSU and Clemson will come together in a show of sportsmanship to help feed the hungry ahead of the National Championship game in New Orleans.
According to a release from LSU, 100 volunteers from the schools will be at Second Harvest Food Bank of Great New Orleans & Acadiana on Saturday. The volunteers are hoping to repackage more than two tons of Louisiana-grown rice donated by Falcon Rice of Crowley into smaller bags. Those bags will then be distributed across the 23-parish South Louisiana territory of Second Harvest at food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, hospitals, and schools.
"Our Second Harvest team is honored to host volunteer teams from both LSU and Clemson before the big game," Second Harvest President and CEO Natalie Jayroe said. "Beyond the love for their schools and football, these volunteers also share a love for giving back and supporting their neighbors in need."
Organizers say the volunteers from both schools are looking forward to the event in the spirit of true sportsmanship.
"We are incredibly excited to see our Clemson Tigers take on LSU in the National Championship Game on Monday, Jan. 13," said Clemson Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Chris Miller. "But we are just as excited to continue a long-standing tradition of community service by partnering with our colleagues from LSU on Saturday by volunteering our time with Second Harvest. We had an amazing turnout of volunteers from the university for a similar cause prior to the Fiesta Bowl, and we expect the same this weekend. I want to thank our Alumni Association and others for organizing our efforts as we assist the local community and those in need."
Miller's sentiments were echoed by Sally Stiel, senior director of LSU alumni engagement and marketing.
"We're excited to partner with Clemson and Second Harvest Food Bank to bring this volunteer opportunity to our LSU alumni, friends and fans in New Orleans," Stiel said. "LSU fans are some of the most passionate college fans around, so it's only fitting that we put that passion to work for a good cause. We are all Tigers, and on Saturday we're all on the same team!"
Volunteers will include LSU and Clemson school personnel, coaches, and alumni. The event will take place at the Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans on Saturday from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
