KU football players toy coat drive Lawrence kids in need

KU football players organize toy and coat drive to help local community, making a difference and spreading joy this holiday season.

Three KU football players, Devin Neal, Rich Miller, and Jason Bean, have gone above and beyond during the busy time of bowl game preparation and final exams to give back to the local community in Lawrence, Kansas. The trio organized a toy and winter coat drive in partnership with the Ballard Center to support families in need during the holiday season. Their efforts brought in so many donations that the Ballard Center had leftovers, which were given to Demetrius Kemp, who runs an organization called Kindness is the Key.

Rich Miller, a senior linebacker, was inspired by a former teammate at Buffalo and shared that "Not a tackle or a sack could compare to this." His teammates, Jason Bean and Devin Neal, were quick to join in and support the cause. Neal, a Lawrence native, and Bean, a Detroit native, demonstrated their dedication to giving back to the community, highlighting the impact of being DI college football players.

Miller expressed his gratitude for the platform that comes with being a college football player, emphasizing that his goal has always been to use his influence to help others. The impact of their efforts was felt by the entire community, with the Ballard Center director, Kyle Roggenkamp, acknowledging that the team has given them something to root for and expressing immense gratitude for their contributions.

Their actions exemplify the impact that Kansas football is making both on and off the field, demonstrating the power of athletes to positively influence their communities. As the team prepares for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, their commitment to giving back serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those in need, even during the busiest of times.