The University of Houston is celebrating 80 years of giving back to the community. With that in mind, the Athletics Department is kicking off a season-long community service project — the “Thanks-for-Giving” Campaign — with the Star of Hope Mission, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

UH Athletics is collecting nonperishable food items at the first five home Cougar football games at Robertson Stadium this season — look for the Star of Hope truck located near Gate 7. Drop off your donations on nongame days at Smart Financial Credit Union branches throughout Houston and at Cougar Authentic, which is located on the first floor of the Athletics/Alumni Center.

When you donate at least five canned goods or other nonperishable food items, you will receive a Cougar Athletics Discount Voucher — good for discounted football tickets, men’s basketball tickets or Cougar Authentic merchandise. Star of Hope residents will attend the Homecoming football game Saturday, November 17; and the collected goods’ total weight will be announced.

The Star of Hope Mission ministers to more than 900 people every day with food, clothing, shelter and structured recovery programs. The Mission touches the lives of more than 7,000 area homeless people each year, including more than 1,600 children.

Administaff and Smart Financial Credit Union, supporters of UH Athletics, are title sponsors of this partnership.

For more information about the UH Athletics/Star of Hope Mission partnership or the “Thanks-for-Giving” Campaign, contact the Cougar Athletics Marketing Office at 713-743-9450 or sportsmarketing@uh.edu.