Less than eight weeks away from starting the 2025 football season at Northwestern State University, the first-year (freshmen and transfer) gridiron leaders made time to make a mark in the Natchitoches community Saturday as they assisted with sorting, packaging and distributed boxes of food items to Natchitoches Parish residents during the monthly distribution activity at the Cane River Food Pantry.
Led by Bossier City (Airline High School) athlete Ben Taylor, 20-plus players were part of the philanthropic effort representing the institution and the football program.
“It is our intent (coaching staff, team) to constantly make a positive impact on the Natchitoches community as often as possible. Natchitoches is home-away-from-home for many of our players and will be home after graduation for some,” said second-year head football coach Blaine McCorkle.
“Thanks to Coach McCorkle, we have had the football players to help us for the second straight year with our monthly (second Saturday) need-driven efforts. We are very appreciative to have their help, moving the process faster. Kind and knowledgeable, the players are really an asset. We are looking forward to them returning next year,” remarked Donna Greene, the pantry’s director.
In the midst of a slightly humid day, far over 175 residents were assisted with food items. Natchitoches mayor Ronnie J. Williams, Jr. was one of the volunteers. “Helping to seriously enhance our community is the order (if you will) of the day for me and so many others-loving our growing city,” said the mayor.
Taylor shared with Greene, the mayor and others, “there is nothing like the heart of genuinely giving back to the community through service.”
Northwestern’s season opener will be August 28 when they take on Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Alcorn State University in Harry “Rags” Turpin Stadium. For ticket information regarding the mentioned competition and season tickets, call: (318) 357-6011 for the ticket office.
