For the first time, the Kansas City Chiefs are a national sponsor of “Souper Bowl of Caring.” This hunger relief program transforms Super Bowl week into the nation’s largest youth-led week of giving and serving. Schools, churches, and other community groups have raised over $60 million nationally since its inception two decades ago. The best part is that 100% of all donations go directly to food banks, soup kitchens, and other charities in our local market.

This year’s drive will take place in the weeks leading up to Super Bowl XLIV, on February 7, 2010. Now, we’re asking you to help us make this collection a success by joining our team. The Chiefs have four unique options for all Red and Gold faithful to step up and make a difference. You can easily join the Chiefs Souper Bowl of Caring team by participating in:

1) Virtual Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive
Go to www.souperbowl.harvesters.org and you can participate in our “Virtual Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive.” Help us score a touchdown and reach our goal of 50,000 meals as we conclude the Chiefs 50th Anniversary celebration. Every dollar you pledge will create five meals for those in need of nourishment so please give generously!

2) Volunteer at Harvesters during the Souper Bowl Week of Caring
You can schedule a two-hour volunteer shift for you and some friends at Harvesters. The Chiefs and Harvesters are looking for 1,500 volunteers and have shifts available from Monday, February 1st through Sunday, February 7th. There, you’ll assist us in sorting and repackaging donated food. Volunteers are also asked to bring a minimum of 10 canned goods (or $10) per person. During your shift, you’ll even be treated to a meal of soup in thanks for your participation. Spots are filling fast so if you are interested in volunteering, please call Harvesters at 816.929.3000 or visit www.harvesters.org for more information.

3) Host a Souper Bowl of Caring Collection during your Super Bowl XLIV Watch Party
If you’d like to join our “Souper Bowl of Caring” team but don’t have an organized group, the Chiefs and Harvest have an easy alternative for you. We invite you to host a food drive yourself when you and your friends gather to watch Super Bowl XLIV. The food and money can then be donated to Harvesters by calling 816.929.3000.

4) Register Your School, Church or Youth Group for a Souper Bowl of Caring Collection
Join Kansas City’s “Souper Bowl of Caring” team and be part of an effort to lift up your neighbors in need. The Kansas City Chiefs are inviting churches, schools and youth groups to collect food and money for those in need through the “Souper Bowl Week of Caring.” It’s simple to register your group and help make a difference. But kickoff for Super Bowl XLIV is fast approaching. Go to www.souperbowl.org and click on “Register for the 2010 Event!” to get started. It’s a fun way for your group to help tackle hunger this year.

We’d like to thank the 224 “teammates” in our region that have already joined the Chiefs Souper Bowl of Caring Roster, including:

Kansas City’s Souper Bowl of Caring Roster (PDF)