11/26/03

Helping during the Holidays

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Longhorn football team's annual food drive was once again a success. Culminating several weeks of collecting canned goods, turkeys and all the fixings, several players were on hand Wednesday to make UT's annual Thanksgiving donation. This year, the Horns contributed the items, enough to feed 15 families, to SafePlace, an organization dedicated to ending rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence.

"It's wonderful, because this time of year, we have close to 100 clients of women and children in shelter right now," said Sherry Kleinert, Pantry Manager and Coordinator of Food Distribution. "To get donations from the football team just shows what position SafePlace has in the community and the reputation we've established. The women who normally do without and aren't able to spend time with their families will be able to have turkey and all the fixings, and it's just great to them, and the Texas football team provides one of our biggest donations."

SafePlace provides women and children shelter for those who feel physically threatened in their domestic situations. Demand for aid during holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas is so high, a waiting list exists to receive the goods, which also come in from private donations, corporations and churches.

"Our players have been great with community service since we've been here," Texas head coach Mack Brown said. "They've reached out with things like going to children's hospital before each home game, mentoring at schools and just being very active in helping those less fortunate.

"Each year we've collected food for less fortunate families on Thanksgiving, and I know as we talked about SafePlace, an organization that Sally and I have been very involved with, as an opportunity to help, the guys were very excited. I'm really, really proud that our guys stepped up to make sure that some families will be better served for the Thanksgiving holiday."

For more information on SafePlace, visit austin-safeplace.org.