With the start of the 2024 USL Championship season just 18 days away Republic FC and Raising Cane’s are calling on fans and community members to join in the club’s annual week of service to the region. Beginning March 4, the club will host a different volunteer project leading up to the team’s season opener on March 9. Together, volunteer groups comprised of Republic FC players, coaches, employees from Raising Cane’s and the club’s front office – as well as fans and partners – will complete over 100 hours of community service.
Every season, the club focuses on finding ways to support and uplift those in need and through this week of service extends its impact with additional support and people power from fans. As a thank you, all volunteers will receive two free tickets to the club’s season opener, as well as a team swag bag. Fans can sign-up for a shift today at SacRepublicFC.com/Community. Opportunities are expected to fill up quickly. Last year, the club and fans teamed up to complete over 300 hours of service projects.
“This community continues to show up and support our club every season, and we look forward to showing our gratitude each year during this week of service,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak. “There are so many dedicated individuals and organizations working tirelessly to make our region stronger every day, and we’re looking forward to lending a helping hand to support their service to others.”
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Republic FC to give back to local non-profits and the communities they support,” said Chris Zygler, Raising Cane’s Regional Leader of Restaurants. “Being involved in our community is at the heart of who we are as a company and what better way to do that than to bring people together for this week of service.”
Schedule of events
- Monday, March 4 – 3Strands Global Foundation / packaging basic needs kits
- Tuesday, March 5 – Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services / sorting and packing food resources for local distribution
- Wednesday, March 6 – Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance / packing backpacks and school supplies
- Thursday, March 7 – Salvation Army / meal service
- Friday, March 8 – Food Literacy Center / meal kit assembly
The week will kick off on March 4 at 3Strands Global Foundation. Volunteers will prepare basic needs kits (socks, undergarments, etc.) to be distributed at the organization’s center, The Table. The recently opened midtown location supports survivors of human trafficking can receive a wide range of services, including a food pantry, shower facilities, mental health care, childcare, and career training.
On March 5, volunteers will spend the afternoon at the Sacramento Food Bank in North Sacramento, sorting and packaging fresh produce and non-perishable items for distribution. The food bank is the largest nonprofit provider of basic human needs in Sacramento County, distributing 2.9 million pounds of food each month and many other social services including immigration legal assistance, utilities assistance, and refugee resettlement aid.
On March 6, the club will assist Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance, a Northern California-based non-profit that supports children with cancer and their families with emotional, educational, and financial aid while increasing awareness and funding research toward a cure. For Wednesday’s project, volunteers will package school supply bags for patients and siblings returning to school following cancer treatment.
An afternoon/evening volunteer opportunity will be offered on March 7, when the group serves dinner at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope. It is the largest shelter for the unhoused in Sacramento, providing emergency housing services and additional support, with the focus of finding permanent solutions to overcome homelessness.
The week will conclude at the Food Literacy Center on March 8. Volunteers will assemble and distribute Food Adventure Meal Kits, providing students at Leataata Floyd Elementary School with the ingredients to cook their own healthy meals at home. The organization’s mission is to inspire kids to eat their vegetables, teaching children in low-income neighborhoods cooking, nutrition, gardening, and active play to improve our health, environment, and economy.
Sign-ups for volunteer shifts are open now at SacRepublicFC.com/Community. Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older, with the exception of Friday’s shift at the Sacramento Food Bank (see here for volunteer requirements). Projects may be adjusted due to inclement weather. Work supplies and equipment will be provided by the club.
On Saturday, March 9, Republic FC will begin its quest for Championship silverware, a 10th postseason berth, and another chance at National glory during the U.S. Open Cup. With 17 players returning from the 2023 squad that finished on top of the Western Conference table, the club is ready to pick up right where it left off and charge into the next chapter of Republic FC history with confidence and a winning mentality. The club will open the 2024 season at home, hosting Orange County SC at Heart Health Park. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.
About Raising Cane’s ©
Raising Cane’s is one of the fastest growing restaurant brands, with 775+ Restaurants in 40+ states, the Middle East and Guam and plans to open 100 new Restaurants across several new markets in 2024. The company recently announced plans to be one of the top 10 Restaurant brands in the United States and is known for its ONE LOVE® – craveable Chicken Finger meals – which includes the iconic “Cane’s Sauce” – named the #1 most craveable sauce in the restaurant industry and most craveable chicken. For more information visit raisingcanes.com.
