Broncos Fans Rally For Food Donations Ahead Of Super Bowl

DENVER (CBS4)- The Super Bowl food drive competition between Denver and Carolina is picking up steam.

What started as one church challenging another has grown to include not only United Methodist churches but Presbyterians and Lutheran congregations all across Colorado. It's also extended to others in Wyoming, Utah, Montana, and even (Omaha! Omaha!) Omaha, Neb.

Several businesses have joined the effort, including CNA Insurance and all Front Range Slimgenics locations. They're looking for non-perishable foods like soups, peanut butter, canned meats and vegetables and rice. Cash donations are also welcome.

Donations are pouring in at some sites like Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver. Pastor Dr. John Bell challenged the congregation to bring 18 cans of food in honor of Denver Broncos #18 Peyton Manning. Members filled a very big empty food box on Sunday and are ready to fill it again.

Denver City Council members issued a proclamation for the Super Bowl and urged participation in the food drive.

Even state lawmakers brought donations to the State capitol this week.

UnitedInOrange.org launched two years ago as a challenge from Denver's Highlands United Methodist Church Pastor Brad Laurvick to churches in Seattle. Denver fans nearly doubled Seattle's donations.

Churches in the Panthers fan base are up to the challenge.

One church in Charlotte posted, "In the same way that the Panthers will pound Denver on Super Bowl Sunday, we can out collect the Denver area churches in food collection!" and another urging members "donate before you dab."

Plus, they've got a huge moving van to collect donations and a farmer has already promised to contribute 45,000 pounds of potatoes.

Donations run through midnight on Super Bowl Sunday at more than United In Orange 120 locations.  They'll tally up donations on Monday.

No matter whom wins on the field, visitors to food banks will be victorious as there will be plenty of food on the shelves.