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Purdue has spent most of the holiday season preparing for its first bowl game in five seasons. But on Christmas Day, the Boilermakers stepped off the field and into a volunteer opportunity while in San Francisco.
On Monday, the Boilers helped serve meals to those in need in the San Francisco area. They volunteered at St. Anthony’s Dining Hall, part of the St. Anthony’s Foundation, devoted to “feed, heal, shelter, clothe, lift the spirits in those in need and create a society in which all persons flourish.”
“We’ve been given so much, student athletes with a place to stay … and the players are excited in serving the community,” quarterback David Blough told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Purdue is slated to play Arizona in the Foster Farms Bowl in Santa Clara on Wednesday. The Chronicle also reported that the Wildcats were assisting at Glide Memorial Church on Christmas Day.
“It helps us be grateful for the little things we have, (seeing) how somebody can have so little and still be happy,” said receiver Gregory Phillips.
Purdue’s official Twitter account also tweeted out a video and images from the volunteer efforts on Monday.
Great to see @BoilerFootball giving back on Xmas Day – serving 2,500 meals to homeless San Franciscans. Thanks guys! 🎄 #FosterFarmsBowl pic.twitter.com/1zKqDsEjip
— St. Anthony's (@stanthonysf) December 25, 2017
Our Christmas morning? A little practice for the @FosterFarmsBowl and community service with the outstanding folks at @stanthonysf! 🎄🎁🎄#BoilerUp #LetsPlayMoreFootball 🚂🏈 pic.twitter.com/Kj5EwZQzjY
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) December 25, 2017
Thank you @RMos_8Ball for joining us at @stanthonysf today and helping out the local community on Christmas 🎄🎁🎄. #BoilerUp #LetsPlayMoreFootball 🚂🏈 pic.twitter.com/6B3eTo5FH1
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) December 26, 2017
So blessed to give back to a community that has opened its arms to us for the @FosterFarmsBowl. Thank you @stanthonysf for allowing us to be a part of your day! 🎄🎁🎄Merry Christmas#BoilerUp #LetsPlayMoreFootball 🚂🏈 pic.twitter.com/IJIB0NjDh0
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) December 25, 2017
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB