NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Athletics Department is giving back this holiday season by hosting three Helping Hands Nights, with two being at Redbird men's and women's basketball games, as well as the final home football game of the regular season.
Helping Hands Nights will benefit the Clare House food pantry and soup kitchen in Bloomington and its 20th Annual Holiday Food Drive. Fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to all three games and drop their donations off at the collection boxes that will be located at all entrances of Redbird Arena and Hancock Stadium.
Fans will have the first opportunity to get involved at the men's basketball game against Utah State, Nov. 16, at 4 p.m. Then, three days later, donations will also be accepted at the women's basketball game versus Northern Kentucky, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. Finally, fans can donate at the football game against Southern Illinois, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m.
The Clare House serves families and individuals in Bloomington-Normal and the greater McLean County area with a food pantry (703 E. Washington Street, Bloomington) and a soup kitchen (527 W. Jackson Street, Bloomington). Because the Clare House does not receive government funding, it functions entirely through personal donations.
Bags of food are distributed from the food pantry each Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Donations are accepted at the food pantry year-round on Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 7 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Donations can also be taken to Resurrection Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Extreme Motors and Schnuck's stores.
The Clare House is trying to fill eight or nine semitrailers during the Holiday Food Drive, which would be enough food to meet the needs of those who participate in the twice weekly distribution.
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