OMAHA, Neb. -- The generosity of some Creighton Basketball fans has paid big dividends for the Siena Francis House over the past three weekends. More than 675 pounds of food and around 250 coats were collected in separate events connected with Bluejay basketball.

The food drives took place on both Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 as part of the open practices hosted at D.J. Sokol Arena in the Wayne and Eileen Ryan Athletic Center. Fans were invited to bring canned goods or other perishable items prior to both events. More than 675 pounds of food were collected.

Last Sunday (Nov. 8) as part of the team's exhibition game against Nebraska-Omaha, fans could exchange new or slightly used coats for two tickets to Creighton's regular-season home opener on Nov. 17 against Florida A&M. Around 250 coats were gathered. Nu-Trend Cleaners then donated to the cause by cleaning of all coats before they were delivered to the Siena Francis House on Monday.

The Siena Francis House is Nebraska's largest shelter, serving homeless men, women and children for over 30 years.

The Creighton men's basketball team opens the 2009-10 season on Saturday with a 12:05 pm (Central) game at No. 21 Dayton before returning home for its regular-season debut at Qwest Center Omaha on Nov. 17 against Florida A&M.