Fill the Bowl to help Connecticut's hungry

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- While the Yale Bulldogs were getting ready for the big game Saturday, another team came together to make sure no one in Connecticut goes hungry this holiday. News 8, Connecticut Food Bank, Bank of America volunteers and even some Hamden Boy Scouts were part of this year's "Fill the Bowl."

Anyone showing up with a turkey, a bag of groceries, or ten dollars was handed two free tickets to the Yale / Princeton.

Kevin Jensen of Orange says it's a win-win. He gets to watch his brother play in the game, even though he's cheering on the visiting team. "I hope Yale wins against Princeton," he said.

He knows his donation is appreciated by thousands of families who are worried about not eating turkey this year.

"I just want them to have a fun Thanksgiving with their families and that's it," Jensen said.

"We do need turkeys, food items, non-perishables, and we do need dollars," said Mary Ingarra from Connecticut Food Bank . "We can turn one dollar into almost three meals, so we can feed a person for a day for just a dollar."

Bank of America's donation will certainly help increase those meals.

"We've announced today a $20,000 donation from the Connecticut Food Bank to help support their efforts this season, but it's not just about financial assistance," said Bill Tommins of Bank Of America . "It's about volunteer commitment. We have our associates who live in these communities as well as work here, they know the needs are immense.

"I get to eat everyday and a kid that doesn't get to eat everyday has to be heartbroken and hungry," said Timothy Wieland of Boys Scouts Troop 610 .

One in seven households in the state are at risk of hunger. Because so many families are struggling to feed their families after Hurricane Sandy, you can see the donations are low. So, your help is needed. Not just today, but throughout the holiday season. For ways you can donate visit ctfoodbank.org

And sorry Bulldog fans. Yale lost to Princeton 29-7.