Westwood HS Football, Rotary Team Up To Support Helping Hand Food Pantry

The Westwood High School Football Cardinals took a break from practicing for the December 4th State Championship game to give back to the community by volunteering at the Helping Hand Food Pantry (HHFP) in Hillsdale.

Freshmen players kicked-off the effort by transporting dozens of turkeys to the Food Pantry. The turkeys were generously donated by Kings in Hillsdale, which regularly supports HHFP. Then the varsity took over. Displaying the teamwork that’s helped make this season such a success, more than 30 players sorted through food donations, helped gather orders, and carried groceries and turkeys up stairs and outside for awaiting HHFP clients.

“The Helping Hand Food Pantry was excited and grateful to the Rotary Club of Greater Westwood for once again teaming up with the Westwood Cardinals Football players to support our pantry,” said Lois Kohan of Helping Hand Food Pantry. “This is the fourth year the team has given its time; it’s wonderful to see that their commitment and teamwork continues off the field. We wish them success at MetLife.”

“Our players know the support provided by this wonderful community is essential to their success and the boys look forward to this and many other opportunities to give back,” said Cardinals head coach Dennis Hard. “These young men embody the meaning of teamwork and make me proud everyday.”

“The Rotary Club of Greater Westwood thanks all the players for their efforts, parents for driving the kids, and especially Coach Hard and his staff for giving the boys time off from training for this important cause,” added Suzanne Hopkins, a member of the Rotary. Go Cards!”

Helping Hand Food Pantry is a volunteer-supported initiative that serves more than 500 neighbors in the Pascack Valley area every month. Their annual Turkey Drive helps hundreds of local families enjoy the holiday in a way that most people take for granted.