Show school spirit this football season and help people in need

As the 2016 football season kicks off, Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley and WHIO-TV once again are providing area high schools with the opportunity to show their school spirit and help people with disabilities through the "Drive to Victory" campaign.

Now in its 10th season, the Drive to Victory campaign is a friendly competition each week during the football season between two local high schools that battle off the field in a donation drive that benefits Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley.

Since 2007, the campaign has generated more than one million pounds of clothing and household items, along with 70 vehicles (for the Goodwill Auto Auction) from around the Miami Valley. These items are sold in Goodwill Stores and at the Goodwill Auto Auction, with proceeds supporting the organization's mission of helping people with disabilities and other needs in the community. Currently, GESMV has more than 40 programs and services to assist people in need.

The Drive to Victory campaign lasts nine weeks, beginning at the end of August and running through the end of October. The fun will kick off on Monday, Aug. 29, with Bellbrook facing Fairborn.

Each week, a Goodwill store donation trailer is placed at both of the selected schools, beginning on the Monday prior to that week’s Friday game. Throughout the week, Goodwill attendants will accept donations of clothing, furniture, books, household items and computers.

Receipts for the tax-deductible donations will be available from the attendant. Cars, trucks, boats and RVs also can be donated and applied to the school’s weekly total. To donate a vehicle, or to find out more details on how to donate one, call 937-228-AUTO (2886).

On Friday, the trailers will be picked up and weighed. The school that has collected the most weight will be announced by sports director Mike Hartsock on Friday during the WHIO-TV "Touchdown 7" report at 11 p.m. In addition to the on-air recognition, the winning school receives a $300 scholarship from Universal 1 Credit Union.

At the conclusion of the season, the school that collects the most weight during their Drive to Victory week will receive an additional $700 scholarship. Through this program, nearly $20,000 in scholarship funds has been provided to local schools.

Learn more about Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley programs and services that are supported by your donations by visiting www.gesmv.org.