Ole Miss and Duke Packed 1,000 Bags for First Coast Kids During TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Week

One of the First Coast chapter’s favorite traditions is its ongoing partnership with the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. For several years, the college football teams participating in the game have volunteered their time to pack food bags for children in the Blessings in a Backpack program on the First Coast.

For the 80th Annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, held on January 2, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, the Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Duke Blue Devils, 52–20. Before the game, both teams joined forces to pack 1,000 food bags for local children in need.

On December 29, 2024, the Duke Blue Devils packed 500 bags at the Omni Amelia Island Resort, while the Ole Miss Rebels packed 500 bags at the Sawgrass Marriott. Each bag was filled with nutritious items to ensure kids had hunger-free weekends.

A heartfelt thank-you to the Duke Blue Devils, the Ole Miss Rebels, and the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl for their continued commitment to feeding children in the First Coast community.

Blessings in a Backpack First Coast Chapter was mentioned on ESPN during the 80th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game on January 2.