FRISCO, Texas – For the sixth consecutive year, the Keeper of The Game Foundation and Pastime Training Center are joining together for the “Strike Out Hunger Food Drive” to benefit the Frisco Family Services Food Pantry. The campaign runs Oct. 20-Nov. 19.
In the five years of the campaign, nearly 16,000 pounds of food has been donated to the Frisco Family Services Food Pantry. Last year alone, a record-setting 10,771 pounds of non-perishable food items were collected – the largest donation the facility received all year. The drive resulted in 8,975 meals for less fortunate individuals and families in the Frisco area during the holiday season.
“This is a very exciting time of year for Keeper of The Game,” Keeper of The Game Executive Director Bryan Hoctor said. “We always look forward to partnering with Pastime Training Center to continue our mission of striking out hunger.”
Non-perishable food items, as well as toiletries, can be dropped off at Pastime Training Center – an indoor/outdoor baseball facility owned by former Major League Baseball pitcher and Keeper of The Game supporter Jason Jennings – seven days a week. PTC is located at 11109 Frisco St. in Frisco, Texas. Drop-off hours are Monday-Friday from 4-9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday from Noon-5 p.m.
In addition, donation bins will be located at Frisco sites of the annual Middle School Matchup tournament, set for Nov. 8-10.
The campaign also serves as a friendly competition between Frisco ISD baseball and softball teams to see which school donates the most items. Last year, Liberty High School took home the trophy for the second consecutive time (following Heritage High School’s inaugural title in 2016) and won another pizza party from Keeper of The Game supporter Durkin’s Pizza.
“We have one of the largest food drives in North Texas due to the great competition between Frisco ISD high schools and their desire to help their community,” Hoctor said.
Each FISD team plans to have representatives at Frisco Family Services Food Pantry on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. for the official donation drop-off event.
Desired donations include: baby formula; baking mixes; beans (bagged); body wash; boxed baby cereal; boxed meal helpers (Hamburger Helper, etc.); canned pasta meals (ravioli, SpaghettiOs, etc.); cereal (children’s); condiments; cooking oil (48 oz. or smaller); deodorant; diapers (size 4 and 5); dish washing liquid (small containers); flour (5 lb. size or smaller); fruit cups; fruit juices; household cleaners; jelly; juices (boxes or pouches); laundry detergent (64 load or smaller); macaroni and cheese (boxed); peanut butter; pickles; Ramen Noodles; saltine crackers; sandwich sliced bread (white or wheat); shampoo; snack items (popcorn, granola bars, etc.); soap (bar); stuffing; toothbrushes; and all Thanksgiving dinner items (boxed or in cans).
If you would like to arrange a local pick up of items, email info@keeperofthegame.org. Those not in the Frisco area who wish to donate can do so online by clicking here.
To learn more about Frisco Family Services Food pantry, click here.
To see a photo gallery from last year’s drive, click here.
The Banisters are Keepers!