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When the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars football team travels for games, it uses the opportunity to serve local communities. On October 11, 2025, before a game at the University of Arizona in Tucson, BYU alumni and others organized a “read and feed” service project. Fans from both teams donated food and books to benefit Sunnyside Elementary School and the Sunnyside Community Food Pantry.
“We don’t call these things a party with a purpose for no reason,” said BYU President Shane Reese.
Since joining the Big 12 conference in 2023, BYU has aimed to “develop the courage to be different,” according to President Reese. He explained, “We decided that one of the ways we could do that better than anything is to serve in ways that are meaningful to the community.”
BYU is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university’s motto is “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.” Its service activities are inspired by Christian beliefs.
“It’s all about all of us giving back, to the Christ-centered beliefs that we have, that we’re all in this together,” said BYU Director of Athletics Brian Santiago.
University of Arizona Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois called these pregame service events “true sportsmanship.” She added, “We’re really grateful for all that the BYU community brings. I think this is an incredible tradition.”
Local students also participated. Destiney Arriola, a student at Sunnyside High School, said, “We’re just doing some fundraising for books and canned food and stuff just to provide back. I’m having a great time. Everybody’s really friendly. Everybody’s really nice. I love getting out there. I love giving to my community. It’s something we’ve never done before, and I think it’s a really big step for us.”
Esmeralda Cruz, another student at Sunnyside High School, said, “From a very young age I always wanted to be a teacher. I want to be a leader. I want to be able to help out as much as I can. We’re all a family here. We’re all a community. And that’s what we’re here to do.”
Earlier in the week, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered 40,000 pounds of food by semitruck to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Some of this food will support the Sunnyside Foundation’s “Youth on Their Own” program.
“I just thought it was really beautiful that you come into these communities and learn about work that’s being done to strengthen those communities and support them in this way,” said Veronica Cruz-Mercado, director of operations for the Sunnyside Foundation.
Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, said he was grateful “to be part of the good happening here in Tucson, Arizona.” He added, “As we unite in service, we not only strengthen our communities but also reflect the Savior’s love in ways that uplift and inspire. When we choose to serve, we follow the example of Christ to care for those in need."
BYU began this pregame service tradition in 2019 during an away game at Tennessee by working with Knox Area Rescue Ministries on a coat and food drive. Since then, BYU Alumni Association has organized similar events at many away football games.
In 2024, BYU fans contributed over 2,000 pounds of food to the University of Wyoming food pantry, donated 3,000 books for literacy programs in Tempe, Arizona, gave 1,000 art supplies for a Dallas nonprofit serving adults with disabilities, and provided more than 500 pairs of underwear for unhoused people in San Antonio.
In 2025, BYU is marking its 150th anniversary by inviting its 466,000 living alumni to complete 150 hours of service each during the year.
“It’s going to be a year of celebration unlike anything you’ve ever seen,” President Reese said. “We’re hoping that what it really does is lift the communities where so many Cougars are gathered. It’s an amazing way to simply let the light of Christ shine through our everyday actions.”
