Dec. 12, 2008

Providence, R.I. - Student-athletes from Providence College and the University of Rhode Island collected more than one ton of food for the Rhode Island Food Bank and the Johnny Cake Center at the two schools' annual men's basketball game on Saturday, December 6. The event was sponsored by the PC and URI Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

The proceeds from the food drive will help less fortunate families throughout the state of Rhode Island enjoy the holiday season in one of the more difficult economic times in recent memory.

Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll hopes this collaboration between the schools' athletes will continue in the future.

"I am so proud of the hard work of our student-athletes and the generous donations from college basketball fans throughout the great state of Rhode Island," Driscoll said. "With the success of this year's drive, it is my hope that this event becomes a holiday tradition that will grow each season."

The Rhode Island Food Bank has worked in the community since 1982 to help feed the over 115,000 people, including 40,000 children, in the state that do not have enough to eat. Currently, the organization is feeding 40,000 Rhode Islanders in need each month through a network of 300 certified member agency programs.

The Jonnycake Center's Emergency Food Pantry, founded in 1973, provides food to individuals and families who are having a hard time making ends meet. Households can come to the Center once a month and receive nutritionally balanced food baskets that contain enough food to prepare three meals a day for an entire week for all household members. The Center's Holiday Meal Program provides complete holiday dinners at Thanksgiving and in December.