Backpack Buddies ending hunger for local kids
2/8/2015 6:00:00 PM | Athletics
Each week for the past year-and-a-half the Bearkats have sought to end hunger for a group of students at Sam Houston Houston Elementary by delivering food packages to the school from the Houston Food Bank.
Even SHSU Director of Athletics Bobby Williams has participated in picking up the food packages and making the deliveries.
Several times in the past year, Bearkat student-athletes also have gathered at local HISD locations to help unload an 18-wheeler trucks from the Houston Food Bank. The student-athletes assist the Huntsville Junior Service League in their project to provide food for 1500 Huntsville families.
The projects are two of the many ways Sam Houston's student-athletes give back to the community.
"The athletes always are excited to assist," SHSU Associate Athletic Director for Student Services Chris Thompson said. "The student-athletes find it especially rewarding when they have the opportunity to interact with the kids.”
Recently Sam Houston also has beenbeen involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Walker County.
During the Christmas break, Bearkat head coach Jason Hooten and the SHSU men's basketball team joined Santa Claus for a special visit with area youngsters.
The team members led basketball drills and participated in the Christmas program.
“The players even performed for our youth,” Boys & Girls Club president Jack Olsta said. “The kids had a great time and so did the players.”
K. C. Keeler, Sam Houston head football coach, will be the guest speaker at the Boys and Girls Club's annual “Steak & Burger Night” at the Walker Educational Center Thursday February 12.
“The student-athletes from all the sports at Sam Houston help the Boys & Girls Club in so many ways,” Olsta said. “They make such a difference for our organization and this community.”
