The University of Akron Athletics
Cross Country to Host Canned Food Drive at Tommy Evans Invitational
August 30 | Cross Country
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men's and women's cross country teams will host a canned food drive to coincide with their season opening meet on Thurs., Sept. 8, at Firestone Metro Park, Zips cross country head coach Scott Jones announced Tuesday.
All donations will directly benefit the Haven of Rest Ministries – a non-profit, faith-based rescue mission that serves the homeless community in and around the Akron area.
"Those of us who are affiliated with the cross country program are fortunate to have the gift of good health and to have shelter and nourishment," Jones said. "We never want to take any of these things for granted. As part of our appreciation for our good fortune, we have an obligation to help others in their time of need.
"The Haven of Rest Ministry is our neighbor in Akron, just a few minutes walk from campus. They are working on the front lines to feed the hungry. It's a natural partnership that enables us to help the local community in a direct way."
While all food is appreciated, canned fruit and vegetables are preferred.
The 43rd running of the Tommy Evans Invitational will begin with the women's race at 5:30 p.m. and conclude with the men's competition at 6:15 p.m. For those unable to attend but still wishing to contribute, canned donations are being accepted beforehand in the UA cross country office, located in room 296 at the Stile Athletics Field House.
For more information, please call the cross country office at 330-972-6895.
On average, the Haven of Rest provides 600 meals per day for the Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, Tuscarawas, Wayne and Holmes counties area. Donations account for 80 percent of all food prepared. The Haven of Rest is funded entirely through donations and grants and has been in existence for 68 years. For more information, please visit www.HavenOfRest.org.
