As we enter the holiday season, it is not out of the ordinary to see food drives collecting canned goods and other non-perishable foods. This year, the Penn State Athletic Department is partnering with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in the fight against hunger.

Beginning Friday, November 9th, the Athletic Department will begin the collecting canned foods at various locations around Central Pennsylvania and at sporting events on campus until November 18th. Co-sponsored by Weis Markets, Pepsi, the Athletic Department, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and the wives of the football coaches, the goal of the drive is to collect enough products to stuff a blue bus like the ones used by the football team.

Donations will be accepted at all Weis Markets in Central Pennsylvania, as well as the following athletic events:

• 11/9, 7 p.m.: Men’s Basketball v. St. Francis
• 11/10, 7:30 p.m.: Men’s Hockey v. Air Force
• 11/17, 12 p.m. Football v. Indiana
• 11/16, 7 p.m.: Wrestling v. Lehigh
• 11/18, 2 p.m.: Women’s Basketball v. Lafayette

In addition to these events, contributors can also literally stuff a blue bus all next week outside the Bryce Jordan Center. The bus will be parked and open from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday.

As Thanksgiving Break creeps closer, definitely consider making a contribution to drives such as these. Trust me, having a gluttonous Thanksgiving will taste much better knowing you helped feed someone less fortunate than you.