Tussey Mountain girls basketball team hosts food drive to help peers

Student athletes to hold open practice, encourage public to support collection

To help their struggling peers, the Tussey Mountain girls basketball team is hosting a food drive during open practice tonight, Friday, Nov. 21.

"We wanted to provide for some of the students in our school district," Lady Titans team captain, Brianna Gabrielson, 17, said.

The team will open its doors to the general public from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is encouraging parents, friends and community members to bring nonperishable items to the high school gym while watching the team practice.

Anyone who donates will get a chance to win local gift cards as well.

"We'd love for you to pack the gym, show your Titan pride, and support our community at the same time," a supporter said in a Facebook post.

Referencing SNAP rollbacks that took place amid the federal shutdown, Gabrielson said the number of local people in need has "almost doubled in the past weeks."

To combat this growing need, the Tussey Mountain School District began collecting food for students around a month ago, said basketball Coach Todd Gates. Its purpose is to offer kid-friendly foods such as oatmeal packets and granola bars for students to take home over weekends or holiday breaks.

To replenish the district's food collection, he said the team collectively voted to host their own food drive.

According to Gabrielson, Gates has always encouraged his students to give back to their local communities.

He teaches that "high schoolers are more than athletes," she said.

"We're people," she added. "It matters the type of person you are and how you treat people."

Teammate Hillary Horton, 17, believes it's important to be involved in the community.

"High school sports are about bringing people together, learning through new opportunities and doing something for the community," she said.

Suggested items to donate include: macaroni & cheese cups, Soup (pop-top cans or cups), canned meat (chicken, tuna, SPAM), Chef Boyardee, instant oatmeal, granola bar, Pop-Tarts, cereal cups, juice boxes, peanut butter crackers and applesauce cups.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814 946 7414.