RADFORD, Va. – Thanksgiving time is almost here and Radford Athletics is celebrating by giving back to both the community and fans with a special Highlanders Hoopsgiving celebration during the next two basketball games at the Dedmon Center.

Fans can receive free admission to both men's basketball's clash with Southern Virginia on Monday, November 18 and women's basketball's battle with Eastern Kentucky on Saturday November 23 by simply bringing in three or more canned food donations.

Each three canned food items will receive one free ticket to the attended contest (for example, a family of four will receive free admission for all four family members with 12 canned food items for donation). There is no limit on the number of free tickets a group receives for either game, as long as there are three canned food donations per person.

Donations on November 18 will benefit the Highlander Pantry, Radford University's on-campus food pantry that is located in 215 Heth Hall. The Highlander Pantry is available to all members of the Highlander family – students, faculty or staff, and offers discreet access to free food items for those in need.

Canned food donations on November 23 will benefit the Bobcats Backpacks program that provides weekend food for children in need throughout Radford City Virginia Schools.

Radford-Fairlawn Daily Bread, a free meals program serving the community of Radford and Fairlawn Virginia, will also be in attendance for the men's game on November 18.

"Thanksgiving is an important time for everyone, so we wanted to come up with a special celebration that would give back to both the community and the fans that support us," assistant director of marketing and sales Yasmin Turner-Ward said. "To be able to help the Radford community through these three outstanding organizations and to be able to offer our fans free admission during a time when money starts to get tight, was an easy win-win for our local community."

Items in most demand during the holiday time are canned chicken, anything microwavable (rice, macaroni, ravioli, etc.), juice boxes and can openers to go with the traditional canned foods, pasta, soups, etc.

Radford Athletics would like to thank Highlander Nation in advance as we look forward to hosting you on November 18 and 23!

For any questions on the Highlanders Hoopsgiving celebration, please reach out to Turner-Ward by e-mail at yturnerward@radford.edu or by phone at (504)-831-6396.