EDINA, Minn. - All eyes are on Minnesota for Super Bowl 52. But leading up to the big game, students across the state participated in the annual Super Kids-Super Sharing project sponsored by the National Football League. The goal is to help thousands of children in need.
Jack Groh, director of the NFL environmental program, said the NFL teamed up with local schools and organizations to collect books, school supplies, sports equipment and games for children in need. Items were collected at public and private schools and 23 YMCA branches.
“Super Kids-Super Sharing. It is now 18 years old. It gives each kid in each super bowl community a chance to contribute to other kids in their community,” he said. “I have to tell you this year in Minnesota, this is the biggest this program has ever been. Twice as many schools involved as donors as we have had in past years. We have the biggest facilities.”
Coincidentally. on the 18th day of January, the NFL celebrated the 18-year milestone at Braemar Field Dome in Edina.
The program turns 18 this year but it is also celebrating something else.
“The first time we partnered with a team that is one game away from the big game,” he said. “How can you not catch the enthusiasm?”
Groh said volunteers in Houston, home of Super Bowl 51, collected 25,000 items last year. Minnesota was on track to surpass that number.