The John Carroll University football team is inviting fans to get involved in the 2012 "Pay It Forward" Food Drive by bringing one non-perishable food item to the Blue Streaks' home game this Saturday, October 20th against Ohio Northern.

The Streaks, in conjunction with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Arrupe Scholars, are collecting food items that will be donated to the Fatima Family Center, a facility in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood that offers programs and services for needy people of all ages. Cash donations are also welcome.

From 5:00-6:00 p.m. on campus, a live concert will accompany the food collection under the arch that leads into Don Shula Stadium at Wasmer Field. JCU student musicians will provide the pre-game entertainment, before the Blue Streaks take on the Polar Bears at 6:00 p.m.

"We thought that this is a great opportunity to bring our community together to collect food for people who really need it," said assistant football coach Tom Zagorski. "The idea is that the act of good will becomes contagious."

The "Pay It Forward" Food Drive originated in Grandview Heights, a suburb of Columbus. Casey Rouch and Oliver Rouch, both members of the JCU football family, are alumni of Grandview Heights High School and have participated in the annual event. 

While this year's food drive will take place on October 20th, the Fatima Family Center (a subsidiary of Cleveland Catholic Charities) always welcomes donations. Click here for more information in the Fatima Family Center, which has served Cleveland and its residents since 1973.

Both JCU and ONU fans are encouraged to participate in the drive, which Zagorski believes can bring the Ohio Athletic Conference together for a common purpose.

"Eventually, we would love to spread this program throughout the OAC and then across the country at every collegiate division and the NFL," Zagorski said. "If football fans across the nation would participate in this once a year and donate just one food item, it's amazing to think how much good could be done."

"It's a simple act to do, but it means so much," he added.