PISCATAWAY, N.J. (December 7, 2012) – The Rutgers University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is co-sponsoring Toy & Book, Coat, and Food collection drives this Holiday season and winter. Fans have the opportunity to bring a new toy or book, non-perishable food items, or new or gently used coats to select men’s and women’s basketball games to help those in need.

The Rutgers Student Athlete Advisory Committee’s (SAAC) annual toy and book drive is underway. Fans are encouraged to bring a toy or book to the men’s basketball game versus George Washington on Tuesday, Dec. 11 or the women’s game against Southern on Wednesday, Dec. 12. Toys and books must be new and valued at $5-10 dollars for a three to five-year old boy or girl. You will help make the holidays happy for the boys and girls of local Head Start programs and families affected by Hurricane Sandy. For additional information, please contact Shawn Tucker at stucker@scarletknights.com.

The Rutgers Alumni Association (RAA) Coat Drive will also take place for the men’s basketball game versus George Washington on Tuesday, Dec. 11 and the women’s game against Southern on Wednesday, Dec. 12. Fans are encouraged to donate new or gently used coats in an effort to help our New Jersey neighbors in need during the cold winter months. Collection bins will be located in the lobby of the RAC prior to both games. For additional information, please visit http://www.rutgersalumni.org.

Rutgers Against Hunger (RAH) food drives collections at basketball games will take place in December, February and March. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to replenish local food pantries. Collections will take place at men’s basketball games on Dec. 11 (George Washington), Feb. 9 (Georgetown) and March 5 (Marquette) and at women’s games versus Connecticut (Feb. 16) and Pittsburgh (March 4). Collection bins will be located at each entrance to the RAC and RAH staff will be on hand to collect monetary donations. For additional information, please visit http://rah.rutgers.edu/.

Game Date & Opponent                                          Drive(s) Taking Place

Dec. 11 MBB vs. George Washington                      SAAC Toy & Book Drive, RAA Coat Drive, RAH Food Drive

Dec. 12 WBB vs. Southern                                        SAAC Toy & Book Drive, RAA Coat Drive

Feb. 9 MBB vs. Georgetown                                      RAH Food Drive

Feb. 16 WBB vs. UConn                                            RAH Food Drive

March 4 WBB vs. Pittsburgh                                       RAH Food Drive

March 5 MBB vs. Marquette                                       RAH Food Drive