Saints WR Kirk Merritt Helping Feed South Louisiana

The Destrehan-native wideout will be hosting a food drive to help support Second Harvest Food Bank

Along with play on the field, the New Orleans Saints always take character, makeup and community involvement into consideration when building their roster. Wide receiver Kirk Merritt is the latest Saints player to use his platform to help better the community and positively impact others. On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 17 the Destrehan-native will host a food drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank, the Saints announced today.

Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kirk Merritt (33) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Merritt will host the food drive at his old stomping grounds, Destrahan High School. The event is set to take place from 3 p.m. CT until 5:30 p.m. CT ahead of the school's spring football game.

Attendees are invited to attend and provide non-perishable items to help feed Southern Louisiana. The list of requested items include canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, grains, beans and more. Merritt himself will be present to take photos, sign autographs and give his personal thank you to those who contribute. 

Here is what Merritt had to say about the event and the excitement he feels around helping the community:

It’s been a childhood dream of mine to be able to play for my home team, the New Orleans Saints. This community raised me, developed me into the man I am today. It brings me great joy to be able to do something to my fellow community members who may be going through rough times. I’m excited to meet everyone coming out and am very grateful to Second Harvest for all they do in the community!

The food drive will be held at Destrehan High School's Wildcat Stadium, located at 1 Wildcat Ln., Destrehan, LA 70047