Razorback Fans to Give Back in Charlotte

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Mascots pitch in at service project before the Cotton Bowl in Dallas

Razorback fans attending the Belk Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina, will not only be calling the Hogs, they'll also be helping the homeless of that city during a community service project. 

The University of Arkansas traditionally does a community service project in conjunction with the Razorback team's participation in a bowl game. Angela Oxford, director of the university's Center for Community Engagement, said this year the project will help fight hunger in Charlotte, by making sandwiches for a local food pantry and homeless shelter. According to its website, Urban Ministry Center serves around 500 people each day in Charlotte who are experiencing homeless and extreme poverty.

Razorback fans can sign up to lend a hand on the sandwich assembly line, by registering online at Give Pulse. The event will be held from 8-10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29, at a location within walking distance from the downtown hotels, where many of the fans are staying. Breakfast will be provided and the first 75 volunteers will receive a free T-shirt. Oxford, who organized the Cotton Bowl service project a few years ago, said she hopes for a great Razorback turnout this year. "It's a great way to create a team spirit atmosphere among the fans and give them an opportunity to meet with other families and volunteer together," Oxford said.

Previous service projects have included, sorting clothing and furniture for Mission Arlington, in Texas and providing clean up in New Orleans, with assistance from students, faculty, alumni and staff from Ohio State University. Participants say the projects not only show gratitude to the host city, but build camaraderie with fans of the opposing team as they create an atmosphere in which helping others is the goal.

The Razorbacks take on the Virginia Tech Hokies at 5:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 29 in the Bank of America Stadium. The Belk Bowl is an annual match-up between the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference. The title sponsor for the game is the Charlotte-based department store chain, Belk.