'Home Games 4 Hunger' Collecting Non-Perishables at NHS Football Game Tonight

Tonight's matchup between the Neshaminy Redskins and Abington Ghosts will not just be about football -- it will also be about providing food to those in need.

"Home Games 4 Hunger" has organized a non-perishable food collection to help stock local food banks. The local Koch family organized the effort with the belief that it is important to give back to the community, John Koch told Patch. 

Due to a plant closing, John lost his job for a number of months, causing the family to "tighten (its) belt," his wife Susan said. During this time, the Koch family didn't have to depend on local food banks, but Susan said they did realize how "hard it must be for families without a steady income to make ends meet."

The Koch family is back on its feet, but the Koch children, Johnny and Natalie, didn't forget the family discussions during that time or that there are families in need right in this community.

Johnny and Natalie, both Neshaminy High School students, brought up the idea to John and Susan for high school athletes and students to give back to the families in the Neshaminy community.

And so Hunger 4 Home Games was born.

The family decided to create non-perishable food drives during all Neshaminy sports' home games to donate to local food banks.

"Every sports game will be equipped to accept canned goods and non-perishable items brought by spectators and team players," Susan said.

The family worked together to obtain approval from the NHS Principal Rob McGee, Athletic Director Thomas Magdelinskas and each sports' coaching staff. They also recuited team leaders from each sport to help promote and collect donations during the games and secured volunteers with vehicles for donation deliveries.

So far this year, the Home Games 4 Hunger effort has collected 893 pounds of donated non-perishable items toward the goal of collecting 2,000 pounds. Home Games for Hunger also collects cash donations.

If you're interested in volunteering with Home Games for Hunger or would like more information, email homegames4hunger@gmail.com