WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Members of the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball program have joined with the Enactus student organization this season to collect non-perishable food items for the Bridges program in West Plains.

So far, the drive, which encourages Grizzly fans to bring the items to home games, has resulted in the collection of 219 individual food items for Bridges.  Those who bring one canned food item receive one free ticket to the game.

“We are happy to be able to contribute back to the community,” Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Yancey Walker said.  “It’s also an outstanding feeling to be able to give back to those in need.  We’d like to ask the community to help us continue this effort throughout the rest of the season.”

Remaining home games will be Jan. 27 and Feb. 7 and 21 in Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center.

Enactus faculty adviser Cathy Proffitt-Boys said the student organization is committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need and has sponsored food drives on campus for several years.

“Enactus is very pleased to work with the Grizzly Basketball program in food drives at basketball games this season,” she said.

All items collected will be given to Bridges, a community-based program designed to help meet students’ needs in the West Plains R-7 School District and surrounding rural schools so they can focus on their education.  So far during this academic year, 250 students have been helped by the program, according to Bridges Coordinator Cyndi Wright.

For more information about the food drive, contact the Grizzly Basketball office at 417-255-7991.