Rose Bowl-bound Badgers and Ducks fans team up for service project

Before competing in the 2012 Rose Bowl, fans, students, alumni and family members from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Oregon will be on the same team for a New Year’s Day community service project.

Approximately 100 volunteers with allegiance to the two universities will put rivalry aside to help Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles’ SOVA Community Food and Resource Program. JFS { SOVA is dedicated to alleviating hunger and poverty in the Los Angeles area. The volunteers will sort and pack food to be ready for distribution to the organization’s clients.

Any fans not able to attend the event can participate in an online food drive by clicking here.

JFS { SOVA provides groceries, counseling, case management and other supportive services including job and legal assistance to those in need. On-site staffed Resource Centers supply information and referrals to other community services to help clients find solutions to other challenges.

“SOVA” is from a Hebrew word that means “eat and be satisfied.” Much more than a food pantry, JFS { SOVA provides free groceries and an array of supportive services to more than 13,000 individuals of all ages and backgrounds each month. Jewish Family Service is a non-sectarian agency and serves men, women and children of all ages, races and ethnicities.

“JFS wants to take this opportunity to thank the service-minded volunteers from the University of Oregon and the University of Wisconsin–Madison for helping us on New Year’s Day 2012. At a time of great need, the JFS { SOVA Community Food and Resource Centers provide a critical safety net to over 13,000 individuals each month,” says David O. Levine, JFS board president. “We couldn’t provide the food, assistance and the hope we do to some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in greater Los Angeles without the support and participation of many generous and committed individuals. Whatever the outcome of the Rose Bowl game, they are all winners for making the effort to give back to our community.”

The UO’s Holden Center is organizing the event and invited Wisconsin to join the activity. The Holden Center was started in 2005 to provide leadership development and service opportunities to students at the University of Oregon.

“As football fans, students, alumni and others prepare to cheer their teams onto victory, it’s important to remember the realities for many community members who need help in the battle against hunger and poverty,” says Robin Holmes, UO vice president for student affairs. “For the third consecutive bowl game, we’re pleased to give back to the host community with a service project that speaks to our mission to educate students and prepare them as global-engaged citizens.”

“We want to thank the University of Oregon for reaching out with this opportunity, as well as our partners at UW Hillel,” says Lori Berquam, UW–Madison dean of students. “Service has long been a part of the Wisconsin heritage. The university’s guiding principle, the Wisconsin Idea, is often described by saying that the work done on our campus cannot stay on our campus. In 2012 we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Wisconsin Idea, and in this spirit we are proud to bring the service of Badger volunteers to Pasadena.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should click here and complete a brief online registration form by Thursday, Dec. 29.

Individuals and families are referred to JFS { SOVA by social service providers, government agencies, other nutrition programs, health facilities and through word of mouth. Clients include the elderly, families with young children, individuals earning low wages, people living with chronic illness, people who are homeless, the recently and chronically unemployed, people with disabilities and others who struggle to live on very low, or no income.