Penn State football unveils plan to donate to Thon on day it meets with kids: Photos

Penn State offensive lineman Cooper Cousins repeatedly mentioned the amount of community service that players do under new head coach Matt Campbell as he fielded questions in the Lasch Football Building.

And on Saturday, during the team’s annual Thon media availability, he revealed that the team is taking its contributions a step further.

“We’re taking it so serious this year,” Cousins said. “Our team has started their own fundraiser. And whatever we raise, Coach Campbell will double it. It’s something special that not a lot of other places have. And I’m thankful that I’ve got to be a part of it over these past couple of years.”

It’s unknown what exactly the fundraiser entails or what the fundraising goal might be. But, overall, Penn State students fight pediatric cancer every year by annually raising millions for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey. Since 1977, more than $236 million has been raised through the 46-hour Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

The football team’s idea originated from defensive end Max Granville, who pitched the idea to the team in a team meeting. The donations are now easier to make for players because they’re compensated as part of the NIL era.

Those two were among the many players who were interacting with Thon families as part of the Explorers program Saturday in the football facility, where families meet with players every year for a tour of the football building and a day filled with activities like face-painting.

And, for as meaningful as it is for the families, it helps those players gain perspective at the same time.

“It’s super humbling anytime you’re able to do any experiences like this,” offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh said. “It’s very humbling because we’re granted and given a lot of things in this world. God blessed us with a lot of things, and for us to see these families and see what they’re going through and their daily struggles and stuff like that, is extremely humbling. ... It really brings into perspective what our actual issues are, and they’re not as big as they actually may seem.”

The event has become a staple for the Nittany Lions, and has been especially helpful in showing the team’s new players what the program is all about. It’s part of a broader identity that Campbell is building.

“Anytime you get to give back to your community and really just bring kids in and see what they’re going through, and being able to spend a day with them, it’s huge,” Cousins said. “And then as a team, and a new team and as players, it’s also a challenge for us too. So it’s us going out in the community, seeing what we can do for these kids, not only for the kids, but the community of Penn State as well, whether that’s packing lunches, going to elementary schools, or raising money for Thon.”

Cousins and Donkoh were just two of the many players in Lasch Building on Saturday afternoon. Scroll below for more photos from the event.