SIDELINE

Boise State student-athletes give back to community

The national Lift Up America campaign made a stop at Boise State University Tuesday as Boise State student-athletes helped make the holiday season a little brighter and better for thousands of Treasure Valley families.                 

The Boise State Department of Athletics in conjunction with numerous other Ada and Canyon County organizations will be joining in a nation wide effort to provide compassion for the less fortunate. Nearly 100 Bronco student-athletes were called upon to help distribute mass amounts of food and toys that will be utilized throughout Southwestern Idaho by numerous agencies helping those who need it the most.

The event took place on Tuesday when 35,000 pounds of Tyson Chicken product and 12,000 Ty Teddy Bears and Beanie Babies were delivered to Bronco Stadium for distribution throughout the Treasure Valley. From 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Bronco student-athletes were in action, loading and unloading the product into agency vehicles, vans and trucks. This event took place in the east side parking lot of Bronco Stadium adjacent to Broadway Avenue. From there, the product will be used in preparing community meals and delivering meal boxes and gifts to families in need.

Through the coordinated effort of Boise State University, The Ada and Canyon County Salvation Army, The Idaho Food Bank, The Boise Rescue Mission, Boise Noon Optimists and Albertsons, the Tyson Chicken products and Ty Teddy Bears will be distributed to thousands of less fortunate families throughout the Treasure Valley during the holiday season.

Also, LensCrafters will be distributing free eyeglasses to previously screened children in need of eyewear, as part of the “Gift of Sight” Hometown Day. This began at 8:00 a.m. and ran until Noon at the Boise LensCrafters, located on 8359 W. Emerald on the corner of Milwaukee and Emerald. Bronco student-athletes were at the LensCrafters location signing autographs and greeting kids as they pick up their new eyeglasses.

Lift Up America is a non-profit organization partnering with business leaders, pro sports owners, and athletic directors developing creative ways to provide compassionate aid throughout America. Tyson Food, The Gift of Sight Foundation with LensCrafters, and Ty Inc. are currently the key sponsors of the December 2005 event. Twenty-one cities will serve as distribution hubs this week, with 23 professional and university sports teams and more than 500 compassionate organizations working together to lift up America.

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