In an inspiring start to 2025, Brigham Young University’s (BYU) football program has once again demonstrated its commitment to community service with a record-breaking charity drive. In a coordinated effort spanning several months, players, coaches, and staff have successfully collected and donated tons of essential items to support both local and national organizations. This initiative has cemented the team’s reputation not only as fierce competitors on the field but also as champions of compassion and service off it.
A Mission of Service
The BYU football program has long held service as a cornerstone of its culture, reflecting the broader values of the university and its faith-based mission. This latest drive, however, marks one of the largest and most ambitious projects the team has undertaken in recent memory. Head Coach Kalani Sitake spoke passionately about the effort, stating, “We tell our players that wearing the BYU uniform means more than playing football. It’s about leadership, integrity, and making a positive impact on the world around us. This charity drive is an extension of that commitment.”
What Was Donated
The team gathered an impressive range of essential goods, including:
-
Non-perishable food: Thousands of cans, boxes of pasta, rice, and other staples to stock food banks.
-
Clothing: Warm jackets, socks, shoes, and everyday wear for families in need.
-
School supplies: Notebooks, backpacks, pens, and educational materials to support underfunded schools.
-
Hygiene products: Soap, toothpaste, sanitary items, and diapers—crucial items often in short supply at shelters.
The effort also included financial donations raised through various fundraising events and partnerships with local businesses, amplifying the total impact of the drive.
A Team Effort
This charity project was more than a one-day event—it involved months of preparation and collective work. Players organized donation stations on campus and at home games, encouraging fans to participate. BYU’s athletics department worked closely with local nonprofits to ensure that the collected items were delivered where they were needed most.
Senior linebacker Max Tooley shared his pride in being part of the initiative: “It’s really powerful to see everyone come together for a cause bigger than ourselves. Our fans have always had our backs, and this was our way of giving something meaningful back.”
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff echoed that sentiment, highlighting how service projects build team unity. “It’s amazing how these experiences off the field help strengthen our bonds on the field. We’re not just teammates—we’re brothers, and that sense of community extends to everyone we help.”
Impact on the Community
The response from local organizations has been overwhelmingly positive. The Utah Food Bank reported that BYU’s donation alone would help feed hundreds of families for weeks. Shelters in Salt Lake City and Provo also expressed deep gratitude, noting that the influx of winter clothing arrived just in time for the coldest months of the year.
Mariah Jensen, director of one of the local shelters, shared, “We can’t thank BYU enough. This donation came at a critical time, and it’s heartening to see such a large organization show genuine care for people who are struggling.”
National charities were also recipients, with shipments sent to organizations supporting disaster relief and underserved rural communities across the United States.
Beyond the Field
The charity drive highlights a broader trend in college sports where athletic programs are increasingly focused on developing student-athletes as holistic leaders. BYU’s initiative serves as a model for other programs looking to blend athletic excellence with social responsibility.
Sports analyst Tom Whitaker commented on the significance of the initiative: “We’re seeing a shift where programs realize their platforms can be used for real change. BYU is setting a high standard, and it’s inspiring to see young athletes embrace roles as community leaders.”
Fan Involvement
BYU fans, known for their unwavering loyalty, played a pivotal role in the success of the charity drive. Social media campaigns and game-day events encouraged supporters to bring donations and spread awareness. One standout moment was during the Cougars’ home game against Utah State, where fans filled multiple trucks with donations before kickoff.
Emily Rhodes, a long-time fan and season ticket holder, shared her experience: “It’s one thing to cheer for your team on Saturdays, but it’s even better to know that they’re making a real difference in people’s lives. It makes me proud to be part of the Cougar family.”
Looking Ahead
Coach Sitake and the BYU athletics department have already expressed plans to make the charity drive an annual tradition, with hopes of expanding its reach even further next year. Discussions are underway to involve other BYU athletic programs, creating a campus-wide service movement.
Sitake added, “We’re just getting started. The needs are great, and we have the ability—and the responsibility—to help. I’m excited to see how we can build on this momentum.”
A Powerful Message
At its core, this massive charity drive sends a powerful message: sports can be a force for good, and athletes can lead meaningful change beyond their arenas of competition. For BYU’s football program, it’s about embodying values of kindness, service, and community engagement—lessons that will stay with these young men long after their college football careers are over.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, fans and community members alike will undoubtedly continue to support the team—not just for its on-field achievements, but for its unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Stay tuned for more updates as BYU football continues to set the gold standard for service, leadership, and athletic excellence.
Leave a Reply