Keeper of The Game, Pastime Training Center set for 5th annual Strike Out Hunger Food Drive

FRISCO, Texas – For the fifth 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 will run Oct. 12-Nov. 11.

Non-perishable items 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.

Donation bins will also be located at Frisco sites of the annual Middle School Matchup tournament, set for Nov. 9-11.

In the four years of the campaign, more than 5,000 pounds of food and supplies has been collected for the Frisco Family Services Food Pantry. Last year alone, a record-setting 4,145 items were provided for less fortunate children and families.

“We are super excited to be starting our fifth Strike Out Hunger Food Drive Food Drive,” Keeper of The Game Executive Director Bryan Hoctor said. “We are proud to be able to partner with Pastime Training Center and help Frisco Family Services serve the community. The food drive has grown every year, so we are looking forward to even bigger and better results.”

For the second year in a row, all Frisco ISD baseball teams participated in the Strike Out Hunger Food Drive. Liberty High School took home the top-collecting trophy (following Heritage High School in 2016) and won a pizza party from Keeper of The Game supporter Durkin’s Pizza. FISD baseball teams had representatives at PTC and Frisco Family Services on the final day of the drive to help load and unload the items, respectively.

This year, the FISD softball teams will join in on the Strike Out Hunger Food Drive friendly competition.

“Teaming with Frisco ISD high school programs has helped take the food drive to new levels,” Hoctor said. “This year with baseball and softball programs competing for the trophy, we expect to reach new heights. Liberty High School raised the bar last year. We are excited to see if they can defend their title.”

Desired donations include: laundry detergent (64 load or smaller); cooking oil (48 oz. or smaller); stuffing; pickles; peanut butter; jelly; sandwich sliced bread (white or wheat); canned pasta meals; (ravioli, SpaghettiOs, etc.); boxed meal helpers (Hamburger Helper, etc.); boxed macaroni and cheese; children’s cereals; fruit cups; fruit juices; juices (boxes or pouches); Ramen Noodles; bagged beans; flour (5 lb. size or smaller); cooking oils (48 oz. or smaller); snack items (popcorn, granola bars, etc.); saltine crackers; condiments; baking mixes; toothbrushes; deodorant; shampoo; bar soap; body wash; boxed baby cereal; baby formula; Size 4 and 5 diapers; household cleaners; dish washing liquid (small containers); and 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, visit friscofamilyservices.org.

To see a photo gallery from last year’s drive, click here.