Evergreen Moms with a Passion to Serve

In the heart of Clark County, a wave of renewed energy and commitment is revitalizing an essential community event – the Clark County Youth Football (CCYF) Food Drive. Under the new management of four dedicated mothers, Samantha Rupp, Brittney Allen, Christina Chappell, and Angie Waudby, the food drive is reconnecting with its cherished traditions while maintaining its core mission of aiding families in need.

Four moms — (left to right) Christina Chappell, Angie Waudby, Brittney Allen, and Samantha Rupp — representing the Evergreen Plainsmen Foundation have taken over management of the Clark County Youth Football Food Drive. Photo courtesy Brittney Allen

These four women, whose sons are freshmen football players at Evergreen High School, bring a shared history of nearly seven years as team moms to the forefront of this initiative. Their personal drive extends beyond mere participation; they’re instilling a sense of purpose and community responsibility in their teams. “Look to your left, look to your right, someone on our team might need the food bank. What we do matters,” Rupp emphasizes, highlighting the drive’s impact on the local community.

The food drive, an integral part of the CCYF’s season kickoff, was originally spearheaded in 2010 by Nolan Henry, an eighth-grader who later garnered national attention as the Wendy’s High School Heisman winner. His vision turned the event into one of the region’s most significant food drives, a legacy the Evergreen moms are committed to preserving and enhancing.

In recent years, the drive has navigated various changes, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic. The previous focus on awarding prizes to top teams has shifted under the new management. The Evergreen moms are intent on reviving the drive’s original spirit by reintroducing more prizes and raffles, aiming to ignite greater enthusiasm and participation among the players.

Their efforts extend beyond the football field. These moms have taken proactive steps, reaching out to local businesses and the broader community to rally support. Their dedication is already paying dividends, with an overwhelming response from businesses eager to contribute to the cause.

Currently, athletes from all CCYF teams are actively canvassing neighborhoods for donations, culminating in a grand finale at the CCYF Jamboree on August 26th in Washougal. Here, the collected donations will be weighed and loaded onto a semi-truck for delivery to the Clark County Food Bank.

The commitment of these four moms, two of whom no longer have sons in the CCYF, has not gone unnoticed. Terry Hyde, co-founder and president of CCYF, commends their efforts, stating, “Our motto, ‘The best game in town,’ is about more than football. It’s about being positive members of the community.” Their dedication ensures that the Clark County Youth Football Food Drive not only continues its vital role in the community but also promises to grow and thrive in the years to come.