Oct. 9, 2008

COLLEGE STATION, Texas --- The Texas A&M Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will host the "Aggies CAN" food drive for the ninth consecutive year at the football and soccer games this weekend.

The event is set to start at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at Aggie Soccer Stadium as the No. 7 soccer team challenges Nebraska. Fans will receive $2 admission to the match with a canned food donation..

The drive will resume Saturday when the football team takes on Kansas State at Kyle Field. Donations can be made from 10 a.m. until kickoff.

All canned food and monetary donations will be given to the Brazos Valley Food Bank. The "Aggies CAN" goal this year is to raise $13,000, which is $1,000 more than last year's total. Each dollar will buy five cans for the BVFB.

Donors can also purchase Texas A&M Victor E. Vans, courtesy of Chevron, for $10 each, or "Aggies CAN" wristbands for $1 each.

Aggie swimmer and SAAC President Kyle Holland said the event takes place each year to thank the Bryan/College Station community. Over the years, "Aggies CAN" has collected well over one-half million canned food donations.

"I feel like `Aggies CAN' is such a great opportunity for the student athletes at Texas A&M to give back to the community," Holland said. "It's a way for us to be able to say `thanks' to the 12th Man, and everyone else in the Bryan/College Station area for coming and supporting us and all of our athletic events.

"I know sometimes it's hard to say thanks, but we like to show how much we appreciate all of the support we receive from them, and how essential that support is to all of the sports success here at A&M."

"Aggies CAN" volunteers in bright green shirts will be accepting donations at the main entrances to the Aggie Soccer Stadium and to Kyle Field. On Saturday, stations will also be set up in various parking lots. Click here for a detailed map of donation drop-off points.