Food, toy donations at Alfred NCAA football game approaches 700
ALFRED, NY – Thanks to the generosity of local businessman and Alfred University Board of Trustee member Charles P. Joyce, and several hundred Saxon football fans, needy families from Allegany and Steuben counties will be helped out this holiday season.
Fans attending the NCAA Division III football playoff contest Nov. 26 at Yunevich Stadium between host Alfred University and Western New England University were given game tickets in exchange for a non-perishable food item or new unwrapped toy.
Joyce, AU trustee and president and CEO of Otis Eastern Inc., Wellsville, agreed to purchase the tickets that were given to food and toy donors.
The donated items from the Nov. 26 game – 647 food items and 35 toys – have been given to Salvation Army units in Wellsville and Hornell, which will distribute them to needy families in their service areas.
"I would like to say thank you for thinking of us with the donation of non-perishable food items as well as gifts," said Major Evelyn Hopping of the Wellsville Salvation Army. "This will help us provide a nice Christmas for many families."
Nearly 1,000 fans attended the AU-Western New England game, two days after Thanksgiving, and saw the Saxons prevail, 30-24. Joyce purchased 340 game tickets, as some fans donated multiple food or toy items.
Paul Vecchio, AU director of athletics, thanked Joyce for his generosity.
"I am so appreciative of the incredible generosity shown by Charlie Joyce to impact both the success of our football game against Western New England, but more importantly to brighten the holidays for those in need in both Steuben and Allegany counties," Vecchio said. "I am elated that Saxon Athletics was able to find an avenue, through Charlie's efforts, to boost our local communities because of the tremendous support they provide for our coaches and student-athletes throughout the year."
(In photo accompanying this story, Shawn Kauner (left), a volunteer, and Salvation Army Major Evelyn Hopping, stand with some of the donated food items and toys at the Wellsville Salvation Army unit.)